## Lisbon Police Arrests Surge by 46% in Ten Months

The **Lisbon Metropolitan Command of the PSP**, responsible for policing 2.5 million people, made **9,287 arrests** in the first ten months of this year. This represents a **staggering 46.6% increase** (2,953 more arrests) compared to the same period in 2024. Superintendent Luís Elias, commander of COMETLIS, highlighted that this equates to **an average of 31 arrests per day** during a speech marking the 158th anniversary in Sintra.

### Crime Trends and Police Priorities

Between January and October, **general crime rose by 6.1%** (3,149 more incidents), while **violent and serious crime decreased by 1.9%** (74 fewer crimes) compared to the same period last year. The command also achieved **650 preventive detention measures**.

Luís Elias noted a **substantial 64.5% increase** (2,829 more offenses) in crimes closely linked to **police proactivity**, such as traffic offenses, drug trafficking, and disobedience. He emphasized that these statistics reflect the **daily professionalism and dedication of police officers**.

### Reorganization and Focus Areas

The commander outlined priorities for COMETLIS, including **preventing and combating violent crime**, **property crimes** (such as robberies and thefts in public spaces, residences, and establishments), **drug trafficking**, and **domestic violence**. He announced a reorganization of the criminal investigation structure to improve **investigation quality and interaction with the Public Prosecutor's Office**.

### Warning on Common Crime

Luís Elias warned against viewing common or mass crime as mere trivial offenses, citing examples like pickpocketing and thefts in homes and commercial buildings. He stated, "**This crime is also organized**, sometimes taking on transnational dimensions, highly disturbing people's freedom and sense of security, and causing significant property damage."

He further explained that traditional crime concepts are increasingly challenged by the **relationship between organized crime, violent and serious crime, and so-called common crime**. Criminal groups are interconnected, provide services to each other, and use **new technologies to plan, commit, and launder profits from illicit activities**. He stressed the need for **cooperation, coordination, and information sharing** among all security forces without stereotypes or prejudices.

### Urgent Demands for Infrastructure and Equipment

Addressing the Minister of Internal Administration in the audience, the commander expressed **concern over the poor condition of many facilities and equipment at COMETLIS**. He cited urgent cases like the **headquarters of the 5th Division, the 22nd Police Station (Largo do Rato), and the Queluz Police Station**, stating that entering a degraded PSP installation symbolically damages the **image and authority of the State**.

He emphasized the **crucial need to equip frontline police officers** with personal protective equipment, electric weapons (Tasers), body cameras, drones, and vehicles. Additionally, he requested the **creation of more housing for early-career police officers** assigned to COMETLIS, citing high rental costs and the cost of living in the Lisbon metropolitan area.

### Human Resources and Public Service

Regarding human resource rationalization, Luís Elias mentioned working with the PSP National Directorate on a **proposal to restructure COMETLIS's deployment and new public service modalities in police stations**.

Comandante revela aumento do crime geral em 6,1% nos primeiros dez meses do ano. Exigiu obras urgentes e condições para os polícias.

Lisbon Police Arrests Skyrocket by 46% - Commander Demands Urgent Upgrades and Better Conditions

## PSP Conducts Criminal Prevention Operation in Lisbon

The **Lisbon Metropolitan Command of the PSP** is carrying out a criminal prevention operation this Wednesday, with searches being conducted in the **Alta de Lisboa** and **Ameixoeira** areas, according to the security force.

### Operation Details

This operation was **motivated by various incidents involving the use of weapons** that have occurred in these locations, the PSP stated in a press release sent at 07:40.

According to information obtained by **CM**, authorities are searching for **weapons, drugs, and stolen cars**. A PSP source also revealed that **five people have already been detained** on suspicion of drug and weapon possession.

The PSP indicated that the operation will continue in the coming hours, and **access to these areas is heavily restricted**.

![Police Operation](https://example.com/police-operation.jpg)

### Ongoing Developments

The situation remains fluid as police continue their efforts to curb criminal activity in these neighborhoods.

Estão a ser feitas buscas na zona da Alta de Lisboa e na Ameixoeira.

Lisbon Police Launch Major Crime Prevention Operation in Alta de Lisboa and Ameixoeira

## Sudden Passing of a Key Public Figure

**Octávio Félix de Oliveira**, the president of the **Instituto da Segurança Social (ISS)** and former Secretary of State for Employment under **Passos Coelho**, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 65 after a prolonged illness, as confirmed by an official source from the overseeing ministry to Lusa.

### Confirmation and Initial Reports

The news was first reported by the [Jornal de Abrantes](https://jornaldeabrantes.sapo.pt/sociedade/morreu-octavio-felix-de-oliveira-1960-2025) and later verified by the **Ministry of Labour, Solidarity, and Social Security**.

### Prime Minister's Tribute

Prime Minister **Luís Montenegro** expressed deep sorrow over the death, stating that Portugal "owes him much" for his "exemplary work" in public roles, particularly his **dedication to the social sector**. In a social media post, Montenegro highlighted Oliveira's contributions and extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of himself and the Portuguese Government to the family and friends.

### Career and Appointment Background

Oliveira, who held a degree in Business Organization and Management from the **Technical University of Lisbon**, had been serving as the **president of the Social Security Institute** since **May 22, 2024**. He succeeded **Ana Vasques**, who resigned following controversies over **IRS withholding on pensions** and perceived lack of government confidence in her work.

Previously, from **2013 to 2015**, he was the **Secretary of State for Employment** in the governments of **Pedro Passos Coelho** and chaired the Board of Directors of the **Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP)** from **2011 to 2013**. In these capacities, he represented Portugal in international bodies such as the **OECD**, the **LEED Committee**, the **Advisory Committee on Free Movement of Workers**, and the **EU Employment Committee**.

### Professional Journey and Education

Starting as a senior technician at IEFP in **1987**, Oliveira held various leadership positions in both central and regional centers. His roles included director of the **Vocational Training Center for the Ceramics Industry** in Caldas da Rainha (2005-2011) and director of the **Vocational Training Center for Electronics, Energy, Telecommunications, and Information Technologies** (2016-2024).

Additionally, he served as a teaching assistant at the **University of Beira Interior** from 1985 to 1987 and at the **School of Management of the Polytechnic Institute of Santarém** in 1994, 1997, and 1998.

Octávio Félix de Oliveira was born in **Tramagal** on **May 18, 1960**.

Era desde 22 de Maio de 2024 presidente do Instituto da Segurança Social, sucedendo a Ana Vasques, que apresentou a demissão na sequência da questão da retenção do IRS nas pensões.

Portugal Mourns the Loss of Octávio Félix de Oliveira, Social Security Institute President

## Second Presidential Debate for 2026 Elections

The second debate for the 2026 Presidential elections brought together **Marques Mendes** and **António Filipe** on SIC, two candidates from opposing political areas—the first from social democracy and the center-right, the second from communism. They do not compete for the same electorate and agreed to disagree on almost everything, from labor law to November 25, from TAP to foreign policy, especially regarding Ukraine. Both accused each other of being "factional candidates."

In a less tense debate than the previous day's between António José Seguro and André Ventura, the two candidates began by expressing personal esteem and respect for each other. But **quickly the divergences became clear regarding the interventionist role of a President of the Republic**.

Marques Mendes promised a "magistracy of influence," dialogue, and the search for consensus in the name of stability and social peace. António Filipe promised to defend workers and the interests of the Portuguese at all costs. "I am on the side of the workers," stated the communist candidate. "A factional candidate," reacted Marques Mendes, provoking protests from António Filipe. "I am as factional as the doctor."

### Labor Law: The First Divergence

Labor law was **the first divergence**. **Marques Mendes does not want to "dramatize" the changes to labor law**. Recalling that the executive's intentions are still in the draft stage, the social-democratic candidate emphasized that, if elected on March 9, he might have to comment but will wait for a bill to do so. **"A President of the Republic only comments on a specific law after it is approved,"** he defended. "I have no position on this draft," he said, "I place myself in the position a responsible President of the Republic should take, "must have two positions here, dialogue and balance," he explained.

Marques Mendes thus called for dialogue, recalling that an agreement serves everyone—employers, government, and unions, especially UGT, which should "be respected," unlike CGTP, "which never signed an agreement." António Filipe immediately reacted, saying that CGTP signed the agreement for the minimum wage "that was never fulfilled." Moreover, "Dr. Marques Mendes is on the government's side, he is the candidate of the government in office," he shot, linking the adversary to the controversy. **"We are in deep divergence,"** emphasized António Filipe. **Marques Mendes "wants to prevent a general strike, I want to prevent this labor law,"** he added.

![Debate Image](https://cdn-images.rtp.pt/icm/noticias/images/e9/e942bc75db8aa51adbdbb0501293931b?w=860&q=90&rect=0,0,1499,822w=860&q=90)

Denouncing various proposals, António Filipe said he understood the "revolt of the workers" with the revision desired by the AD executive. "What is underlying is to invert the logic of labor law," he denounced, which "would become a weapon of employers against workers." "As a candidate, I should comment" on what is at stake, he considered. And, "as president," he would seek to hear the Constitutional Court "on issues that raise doubts" and "on what I disagree with" and consider harmful to workers, "I would make an appeal to the Assembly of the Republic" to reflect.

### Divergence 2: November 25

The two candidates also diverged on the commemorations of November 25, scheduled for the next week. **António Filipe denounced them as "an attempt to rewrite history and diminish April 25."** "It is a factional ceremony," it is "to pass an incorrect idea" of what happened that day, he added, stating that he would not preside over the state commemorative ceremonies of the date.

Marques Mendes considered that a president in office cannot assume such a position, although he understands it from the adversary because, he said, "the PCP was the party that was defeated on November 25." The date should be celebrated, he defended, because "it is not just any date," "it is the date that prevented Portugal from falling into a second dictatorship of the opposite sign." **"It is an equally important date, which restored to the country the purity of the ideals of April 25,"** stated the social democrat. **"Both should be marked."**

### Divergence 3: Stability

The two candidates then defended stability as the priority of their presidencies, but both revealed a different understanding of the concept. Marques Mendes said that "the country cannot always live in elections." **A president must "guarantee conditions for governments to govern and present results" and prevent populism from growing, he said. And, "people want tranquility and companies stability."** He will therefore seek to build bridges.

Already António Filipe considers that the most important is the "stability of people's lives," giving as examples the difficulties of access to the SNS, young people's access to housing, students' access to classes with teachers. "This is what drives people away from politics," he said. "The PR must have a voice," he defended, promising to use his powers to ensure compliance with the Constitution. **"I do not intend for the President of the Republic to exceed his powers,"** promised António Filipe, considering it important that "people feel they have someone" to defend them.

Marques Mendes considered that a president "must pull the country upward" and announced that, if elected, his first initiative will be to send "a message to Parliament" about the country's challenges for the next 10 years. "We must have another ambition," he defended, also considering that, to perform the role, "experience counts."

### Divergence 4: TAP

António Filipe contested the recent options for the Portuguese economy and stated that "it is necessary for the levers of our country to be in the hands of the Portuguese," giving as examples banking or TAP, wanting "the State to have a relevant role there." "I have nothing against private initiative," he said, but **"I would alert the government to the dangers of privatizing TAP" and would work to stop the current process if he were president.**

Marques Mendes riposted, recalling that Brussels' rules prevent the Portuguese State from having a majority stake in the airline. "The country should know this," he said. "If there is no privatization, TAP will not grow, **by Brussels' rules, the State cannot put a penny into TAP."** **"It is of elementary common sense,"** he referred. The privatization should proceed, precisely "in the national interest" because without private investment, "TAP cannot grow and compete." "It is not worth making demagogy on matters of fact," he shot.

"If the State had not intervened, TAP would not exist today," replied António Filipe, recalling the controversial restructuring of 2015, on the last day of the Passos Coelho government, which still today causes ink to flow and provokes investigations into how it took place.

### Divergence 5: Ukraine

Faced with a possible totalitarian drift, both promised to use the powers conferred by the Constitution to combat it. The social democrat recalled that his candidacy is based precisely on the defense of great values, **"defend democracy, defend freedom, and defend social justice"** relative to "those who want to undermine democracy." **The communist candidate promised "to be the last mainstay of the defense of democracy."** "I would maintain my powers as the last bastion of the defense of democracy," he referred.

In foreign policy, António Filipe defended that Portugal's action should be in the direction of defending the national interest and within the framework of the organizations to which it belongs, having its own voice. Marques Mendes, emphasizing that the President of the Republic does not define foreign policy, ended up in the need for a reinforcement of NATO.

The war in Ukraine was the last topic on which both placed themselves on opposite sides. **Marques Mendes accused António Filipe of being on the side of the "aggressor" Vladimir Putin**, challenging him to speak out against the invasion started by Moscow in February 2022. The adversary recalled that, in fact, the conflict "began in 2014" and defended that diplomacy should have prevented the war from happening. "Diplomatic efforts should have gone in the direction of ending the war because the longer it lasts, the worse for the Ukrainian people," he defended. **"As President of the Republic, I would make every effort so that, on the plane of democracy, this issue would end once and for all**, because it is the way to defend the Ukrainian people."

Marques Mendes stated for his part that "the world is in a state of great unpredictability," so "an experienced president is necessary." The social-democratic candidate needs to attract votes in the center-left, and his strategy involves distancing himself in some way from the current executive without alienating his traditional electorate and without losing to Cotrim de Figueiredo on the right and to the newcomer in politics, Admiral Gouveia e Melo.

António Filipe, who refused to hand over his Portuguese Communist Party membership card, intends to stay in the race until the end, similar to the last four CDU presidential candidates. His objective will be above all to establish himself as a more valid and solid option to the left than the Left Bloc, represented by Catarina Martins, and to seek votes among socialists who do not support António José Seguro.

O segundo debate das Presidenciais 2026 colocou frente a frente na SIC Marques Mendes e António Filipe, dois candidatos de áreas políticas opostas, o primeiro da social-democracia e do centro-direita, o segundo do comunismo. 


Presidential Debate Clash: Marques Mendes and António Filipe Agree to Disagree on TAP, Ukraine, and Labor Laws

## PS Seeks Constitutional Review of Nationality Law Changes

The **Socialist Party (PS)** is taking action against the newly approved rules governing the acquisition and loss of Portuguese nationality, arguing they violate fundamental constitutional principles. The parliamentary group has formally requested **preventive constitutional review** of eight specific provisions within the legislation.

### Constitutional Principles at Stake

According to the PS, the new nationality regulations contravene several core constitutional guarantees:

- **Principle of equality** of rights
- **Universal application** of laws
- **Proportionality** in legal measures
- **Protection of legitimate expectations**
- **Prohibition of perpetual or indefinite punishments**

### Key Provisions Under Scrutiny

The challenge specifically targets the **accessory penalty of nationality loss**, which the PS argues effectively creates a form of **permanent punishment** that violates constitutional protections against perpetual penalties.

Additionally, the socialist bench is contesting **seven other norms** within the new Nationality Law text, including the controversial provision that restricts nationality attribution to individuals who haven't served prison sentences exceeding **two years**.

This constitutional challenge represents a significant political and legal confrontation over the scope and limits of nationality regulation in Portugal, with potential implications for thousands of citizens and residents.

PS pede fiscalização de oito normas. Estarão em causa princípios constitucionais como a igualdade, universalidade, proporcionalidade, protecção da confiança e proibição de pena perpétua.

PS Challenges Nationality Law as Unconstitutional - Claims It Violates Ban on Perpetual Punishment

## Healthcare Crisis Deepens as Neonatology Services Face Restructuring

**Doctors and nurses at Lisbon's Dona Estefânia Hospital were caught completely by surprise** this week when they learned about the imminent closure of their neonatology unit, which provides critical care for premature babies. The sudden announcement has sent shockwaves through Portugal's healthcare community.

### Official Confirmation of Service Changes

The **Local Health Unit (ULS) of S. José** confirmed on Tuesday that it is preparing to close one of its neonatology poles, following initial reports by Correio da Manhã about the planned service shutdown at Hospital Dona Estefânia. Medical professionals were expected to be transferred to the **Alfredo da Costa Maternity** facility as part of the reorganization.

"This unit currently operates across two poles, and we are evaluating the possibility of reorganizing and consolidating it into a single pole," stated the ULS in response to questions from CM. The health authority specifically denied "the closure of Neonatology within ULS," though CM had not originally reported a complete shutdown of neonatology services.

### Health Minister Acknowledges Human Resource Challenges

**Health Minister Ana Paula Martins**, when confronted about the situation, confirmed that changes were indeed underway. "What is planned is, given that we have two neonatology units and due to difficulties with Human Resources - because we have Human Resources problems in the SNS, particularly in this service - there is a project to organize a single pole. But the project is still being developed," she explained.

The minister's comments highlight the ongoing **staffing crisis within Portugal's National Health Service**, which has been particularly acute in specialized areas like neonatal care. The consolidation plan appears to be driven primarily by the challenge of maintaining adequate medical staffing across multiple locations.

### Impact on Premature Infant Care

The potential closure raises serious concerns about the continuity of care for **Portugal's most vulnerable patients - premature babies** who require specialized medical attention. The Dona Estefânia unit has long been a crucial component of Lisbon's pediatric healthcare infrastructure, and its restructuring could have significant implications for neonatal services throughout the region.

Médicos e enfermeiros do Dona Estefânia apanhados de surpresa com fecho iminente da resposta aos bebés prematuros. 

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