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Rising Unemployment Rate in Portugal: A Closer Look at the Numbers

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Rising Unemployment Rate in Portugal: A Closer Look at the Numbers

LISBON, Portugal – The unemployment rate in Portugal has remained steady at 6.7% in the third quarter of 2023, 0.6 percentage points above the same month in 2022, 0.1 percentage more than in September, and the highest value since March. This figure marks an increase from the same period last year when the jobless rate was lower than 6%.

The number of unemployed persons increased by 1.4 thousand to 326.1 thousand, while the employed population increased by 26.8 thousand to 5,015.5 thousand. This suggests that while new jobs are being created, they are not enough to absorb the growing number of job seekers.

The youth unemployment rate, which measures jobseekers between the ages of 16 and 24, rose to 20.3% from 17.1% in the previous quarter. This increase in youth unemployment is a concerning trend, as it indicates that young people are having a harder time finding work.

In comparison, the unemployment rate in the OECD countries was stable at 4.8% in September 2023. The unemployment rate rose in 16 OECD countries, was unchanged in 11, and declined in 6.

The Portuguese government and policymakers will need to address this issue promptly. Creating more job opportunities, particularly for the youth, should be a priority. The future of Portugal’s economy depends on the ability of its young people to find meaningful employment.

The next update on Portugal’s unemployment rate is expected to be published on December 13, 2023.

Source:  tradingeconomics.com, oecd.org, theportugalnews.com

 

Elon Musk’s Controversial Statements Spark Advertiser Exodus from X

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Elon Musk’s Controversial Statements Spark Advertiser Exodus from X

In a shocking turn of events, major advertisers have abandoned the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) following Elon Musk’s recent endorsement of an antisemitic conspiracy theory. The fallout has been swift and severe, leaving the platform’s future hanging in the balance.

Prominent brands, including media giants such as Disney, Paramount, NBCUniversal, Comcast, Lionsgate, and Warner Bros. Discovery, have pulled their advertising from X. Even tech titan Apple reportedly joined the exodus, dealing a massive reputational blow to the platform. The dizzying pace and scope of these withdrawals have left X reeling, casting fresh doubts on its viability.

Musk, the billionaire owner of X, has been increasingly vocal in his endorsement of extremist beliefs. His public embrace of an antisemitic conspiracy theory favored by White supremacists triggered the advertiser revolt. The situation escalated when ads for major brands, including IBM, were found appearing alongside pro-Nazi content on the platform. IBM swiftly suspended all advertising on X, calling the situation “entirely unacceptable.”

Progressive media watchdog group Media Matters played a pivotal role in exposing the pro-Nazi content. However, X accused Media Matters of aggressively searching for such content in a way that misrepresented the user experience and could mislead advertisers. The company clarified that the cited pro-Nazi posts had little engagement and were subject to X’s “Freedom of Speech, not Reach” policy.

In a post on X, Musk threatened a lawsuit against Media Matters. The group’s president responded confidently, stating, “If he does sue us, we will win.” Media Matters President Angelo Carusone emphasized that Musk had confirmed the ads ran alongside the pro-Nazi content identified by their organization.

X’s advertising pauses come on the heels of a similar move by IBM. Musk and X CEO Linda Yaccarino had previously vowed to make the platform profitable once more, but the advertiser exodus has thrown that goal into question. As the crisis deepens, the fate of X hangs in the balance, and the world watches to see how this high-stakes drama unfolds.

Sources:  bing.com, cnn.com, voanews.com, wired.com, newrepublic.com, newsweek.com, cnn.com, cnn.com, theguardian.com

Living Alone in Portugal: A Cost Breakdown

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Living Alone in Portugal: A Cost Breakdown

Living alone can be both liberating and challenging. As a solo dweller in Portugal, you will be able to experience the country’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. However, it’s important to consider the financial aspect of living alone. Let’s delve into the details.

 

  1. Accommodation Costs:

Rent:

  • For a single person, the estimated monthly rent is approximately €616.7 without utilities.
  • Portugal’s rental market is more affordable than in the United States, with average rents being 55.4% lower.

 

  1. Daily Expenses:

Food and Groceries:

  • A loaf of fresh white bread costs around €1.15.
  • A pound of rice is approximately €0.55.
  • Expect to pay about €0.54 for a pound of bananas, a healthy snack option.

Dining Out:

  • A meal at an inexpensive restaurant ranges from €6.00 to €15.00.
  • A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs about €27.57 to €65.00.

Transportation:

  • A one-way local transport ticket is priced at €1.75.
  • Monthly public transportation passes cost around €40.00.

Utilities:

  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for a 915 sq ft apartment amount to approximately €106.16 per month.

 

  1. Leisure and Entertainment:

Fitness and Sports:

  • Monthly fitness club fees for one adult are about €34.22.
  • Renting a tennis court for an hour on the weekend costs around €10.93.

Cultural Activities:

  • Catch an international movie release at the cinema for €7.00 per seat.

 

  1. Miscellaneous Expenses:

Clothing:

  • A pair of jeans (Levi’s 501 or similar) costs approximately €68.21.

Communication:

  • A mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data is around €18.65.

Living alone in Portugal offers an affordable lifestyle, especially when compared to the United States. Whether you’re savoring pastel de nata by the Tagus River or exploring historic Lisbon, your solo adventure awaits! Remember, these estimates are averages, and actual costs may vary based on your location and lifestyle choices. Enjoy your independent journey in this beautiful country!

Source:theportugalnews.com, numbeo.com, bing.com, expatistan.com

AIMA’s Bumpy Start: Challenges and Complaints in the Transition from SEF

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AIMA’s Bumpy Start: Challenges and Complaints in the Transition from SEF

The recent transition from the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) to the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) in Portugal has been anything but smooth. Despite high hopes for improved efficiency, AIMA has faced a barrage of complaints and challenges. In this article, we delve into the details of this significant changeover and its impact on immigration services.

The dissolution of SEF, which had been responsible for managing foreign documents and administrative procedures related to immigration, marked a pivotal moment in Portugal’s immigration landscape. Established in 2007, SEF handled tasks such as document issuance, residence permits, and visa extensions. However, the government decided to disband SEF as part of broader efforts to enhance service efficiency.

On October 29, 2023, AIMA stepped in to take over SEF’s responsibilities. AIMA, with a budget of €81 million and 740 employees, aims to address the backlog of approximately 347,000 pending immigration cases and 340,000 visa renewals by year-end. Let’s explore the challenges AIMA faces and the impact on applicants and residents.

Challenges and Complaints:

  1. Document Delivery Woes:
  • The bulk of complaints registered between October and November centered around problems with document delivery. Some applicants reported the loss of documents, while others faced delays in receiving essential paperwork.
  • AIMA must urgently address these issues to prevent further frustration among applicants and residents.
  • Appointment Scheduling Difficulties:
  • Another common grievance pertained to scheduling appointments. Applicants struggled to secure timely slots for various immigration services.
  • Streamlining appointment processes and ensuring better communication with applicants are critical steps for AIMA.
  1. Payment Problems:
  • AIMA encountered challenges related to service fees. Some applicants faced difficulties paying fees, while others complained that payments made were not confirmed by the system.
  • Improving payment systems and providing clear instructions can alleviate these concerns.

Comparing SEF and AIMA:

  • Satisfaction Index:
    • The SEF page had a satisfaction index score of 18.7 out of 100. However, AIMA’s Complaints Portal lacks a consumer rating at this time.
  • Response and Solution Rates:
  • SEF’s response rate was 16%, and its solution rate was 16.4%. AIMA needs to surpass these figures to regain public trust.
  • AIMA’s performance in responding to and resolving complaints will be closely monitored.

While AIMA’s ambitious plans aim to streamline immigration services, the initial transition has been rocky. As the agency grapples with complaints and strives to resolve pending cases, it must prioritize transparency, efficiency, and effective communication. Only then can AIMA regain confidence and fulfill its mission of facilitating integration, migration, and asylum processes in Portugal.

Source:  globalcitizensolutions.com, eportugal.gov.pt, aima.gov.pt, portugalresidencyadvisors.com

 

Portugal Real Estate Market Breaks Record with 1 Billion Euros in investment

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Portugal Real Estate Market Breaks Record with 1 Billion Euros in investment

The Portuguese real estate market had an outstanding performance in 2023, with a record-breaking sales volume of €1 billion in the first half of the year, according to a report by Cushman & Wakefield. This represents a 35% increase compared to the same period in 2022, and a 15% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

 The main driver of this growth was the strong demand for residential properties, particularly from foreign buyers. Portugal has become a popular destination for people looking for a stable and attractive market, with favourable tax and residency schemes like the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) and Golden Visa programs. UCI Portugal, a mortgage lender, reported that foreign buyers accounted for 25% of total sales in 2023, with the majority coming from France, the UK, Brazil, and Germany.

 The most sought-after region was the Lisbon metropolitan area, where the median property price was €1,929 per square meter (sq. m) in November 2023. This represented a 15.2% increase year-on-year. The Algarve, the country’s main tourist destination, followed with a median price of €2,009 per sq. m, up by 17.6% year-on-year. The North, the Center, Alentejo, the Azores Islands, and Madeira also saw double-digit price increases, reflecting the broad-based recovery of the market.

 However, the supply of new properties remained low as the construction sector faced challenges such as rising costs, labour shortages, and delays in licensing. INE reported that the number of licenses for new construction only increased by 3.1% in the first three quarters of 2023, while the number of dwelling completions rose by 1.6% in the same period. This created a gap between demand and supply, putting upward pressure on prices and rents.

 Despite some uncertainties related to the evolution of the pandemic, inflation, and interest rates, the outlook for the Portuguese real estate market in 2023 is optimistic. JLL, a global real estate services firm, expects the market to have the best year ever in terms of sales transactions, with an estimated 168,000 units sold and a sales volume of €30-31 billion. The firm also forecasts that prices will continue to rise, albeit at a slower pace, as the market reaches a more balanced situation.

 The booming real estate market in Portugal has its pros and cons. On the one hand, it provides a boost to the economy, which grew by a robust 6.7% in 2023, following a 5.5% expansion in 2021 and an 8.4% contraction in 2020. The market also generates employment, tax revenues, and foreign exchange inflows for the country. On the other hand, the market may pose risks such as overheating, affordability issues, social inequalities, and environmental impacts. Some critics argue that the market is driven by speculative and opportunistic motives, rather than by genuine needs and preferences of the local population. They also claim that the market contributes to the gentrification, displacement, and homogenization of the urban fabric, eroding the cultural and historical identity of the cities.

 To ensure that the real estate market develops in a sustainable and inclusive manner, balancing the interests of investors, residents, and society at large, the Portuguese government and relevant stakeholders need to act. Some of the measures that have been proposed or implemented include regulating the short-term rental market like Airbnb to limit its negative effects on the housing supply and neighbourhood quality, promoting the social housing sector to provide affordable and adequate housing for low-income and vulnerable groups, diversifying the product offer to cater to different market segments and needs like student accommodation, senior housing, healthcare, and agribusiness, and incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria in the design and management of real estate projects to enhance their sustainability and resilience.

 The Portuguese real estate market is one of the most dynamic and attractive markets in Europe, and it is expected to maintain its momentum in the coming years. However, it is also important to monitor its evolution and address the challenges it faces to ensure that it contributes to the well-being and prosperity of the country and its people.

Source:cushmanwakefield.com, idealista.pt, globalpropertyguide.com, theportugalnews.com, cbre.pt

Nepal Celebrates Historic Same-Sex Marriage Registration: A Triumph for LGBTQ+ Rights

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Nepal Celebrates Historic Same-Sex Marriage Registration: A Triumph for LGBTQ+ Rights

In a groundbreaking milestone, a gay couple in Nepal has officially registered their same-sex marriage, marking a historic achievement for LGBTQ+ rights in the Himalayan nation. This momentous event makes Nepal one of the first countries in Asia to allow same-sex marriages.

Sunil Babu Pant, an openly gay former parliamentarian and prominent LGBTQ+ rights activist, expressed his joy after 23 years of struggle. He witnessed the marriage registration of Maya Gurung and Surendra Pandey at the local administration office in the Dorje village council, situated in the mountainous region west of the capital, Kathmandu.

Earlier this year, Nepal’s Supreme Court issued an interim order that paved the way for the registration of same-sex marriages. Initially, officials had rejected the couple’s marriage application. Undeterred, Maya, Surendra, and Pant filed cases with the Kathmandu District Court and the High Court, but their pleas were turned down.

Recently, the Home Ministry introduced changes to the process, allowing all local administration offices to register same-sex marriages. Pant described this development as an unexpected positive breeze for the LGBTQ+ community.

The couple had married six years ago in a temple, following Hindu traditions, with a priest conducting the rituals in the presence of friends and family. However, they lacked a legal certificate validating their marriage.

Nepal has made significant strides since a 2007 court decision prompted the government to enact changes in favour of LGBTQ+ individuals. Now, people who do not identify strictly as male or female can choose the “third gender” option on their passports and other official documents.

IMT Warns Against Fraudulent Driving License Scheme

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IMT Warns Against Fraudulent Driving License Scheme

Lisbon, Portugal -The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) has recently issued a stern warning to the public about a fraudulent scheme that has been circulating on social media and via SMS. The scheme falsely promises individuals a legal driving license in exchange for a sum of money. This scheme is a payment scam, and the IMT categorically states that it does not communicate payment requests for any of its services through social media or SMS. Therefore, individuals should not make any requested payments under these circumstances.

 It is crucial to note that both paying for a false driving license and the issuance of such licenses are crimes punishable by law. When such fraudulent situations are detected, they are promptly reported to the investigation authorities. Thus, it is essential to report any suspicious messages indicating a scheme to obtain a driving license fraudulently.

 The IMT urges citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious messages related to obtaining a driving license. Protecting yourself from scams is crucial, and if you encounter any such messages, report them to the appropriate criminal investigation authorities immediately. Stay informed and stay safe while driving on the roads!

Source: Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT), eportugal.gov.pt

Portugal: A History of Earthquakes and How to Stay Safe.

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Portugal: A History of Earthquakes and How to Stay Safe.

Portugal is a country that has faced many devastating earthquakes in its past and is still vulnerable to future seismic events. The country lies in a region where three major tectonic plates meet and cause frequent movements of the earth’s crust. This article will provide a brief overview of some of the most notable earthquakes that have affected Portugal, and some tips on how to prepare for and survive the next one.

The 1531 Lisbon Earthquake

One of the earliest recorded earthquakes in Portugal occurred on January 26, 1531, and had an estimated magnitude of 6.5. The epicentre was located near the Tagus River, and the quake caused widespread damage and casualties in Lisbon and the surrounding areas. The death toll is estimated to be around 30,000, making it one of the deadliest earthquakes in European history.

The 1755 Lisbon Earthquake

The most famous and catastrophic earthquake in Portugal’s history occurred on November 1, 1755, and is considered one of the largest and deadliest earthquakes in the world. The quake had an estimated magnitude of 8.5 to 9.0 and was followed by a massive tsunami and fires that destroyed most of Lisbon and affected other parts of Portugal, Spain, Morocco, and the Atlantic islands. The death toll is estimated to be between 50,000 and 100,000, and the event had a profound impact on the culture, economy, and politics of Portugal and Europe.

The 1909 Benavente Earthquake

Another significant earthquake in Portugal’s history occurred on April 23, 1909, and had a magnitude of 6.0. The epicentre was located near the town of Benavente, in the Santarem district. The quake caused severe damage and casualties in the region, especially in the towns of Salvaterra de Magos and Benavente, where 60 people died and hundreds were injured. The quake also affected Lisbon and other parts of the country, and was felt as far as Spain and France.

The 1969 Portugal Earthquake

The most recent major earthquake in Portugal occurred on February 28, 1969, and had a magnitude of 7.8. The epicentre was located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 230 km southwest of Cape St. Vincent. The quake was felt throughout Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, and generated a small tsunami that reached the coasts of Portugal and Morocco. The quake caused 25 deaths and 80 injuries, mostly in Morocco, and some minor damage in Portugal.

How to Prepare for the Next Earthquake

Portugal is still at risk of experiencing another large earthquake in the future, as the tectonic plates continue to move and create stress along the faults. Therefore, it is important to be prepared and know what to do before, during, and after an earthquake. Here are some basic safety tips:

  • Know the signs of an earthquake, such as a roaring or rumbling sound, shaking of the ground, or swaying of buildings.
  • Learn the safe spots in your home and workplace, such as under sturdy tables or desks, away from windows, mirrors, or heavy objects that could fall.
  • Plan and practice what to do if an earthquake strikes, such as dropping to your hands and knees, covering your head and neck with your arms, and holding on to something stable until the shaking stops.
  • Create an evacuation plan and an emergency supply kit that includes food, water, and other essentials for at least 72 hours.
  • Prepare your home for earthquakes by securing furniture, appliances, and other items that could fall or break, and by knowing how to shut off your utilities.
  • Stay informed and alert about the earthquake risk in your area and the possible aftershocks or tsunamis that could follow a major quake.

For more information and resources on earthquake preparedness, you can visit the following websites:

  • [CDC: Preparing for an Earthquake]
  • [Red Cross: Earthquake Safety]
  • [National Geographic: Earthquake Safety Tips]
  • [Ready.gov: Earthquakes

Source: portugal.com, cdc.gov, redcross.org, nationalgeographic.com, ready.gov, insider.com

Lisbon wins the title of European Capital of Innovation 2023

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Lisbon wins the title of European Capital of Innovation 2023

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, has been named the European Capital of Innovation 2023 by the European Commission. This prestigious title was awarded to Lisbon, after beating five other finalists, namely Istanbul (Turkey), Kyiv (Ukraine), Lviv (Ukraine), Warsaw (Poland), and Basaksehir (Turkey). As the winner, the city will receive a prize of €1 million to support its innovation activities and projects.

The European Capital of Innovation Awards, also known as iCapital, recognizes cities that promote inclusive and dynamic innovation ecosystems. These cities use innovation to improve the lives of their citizens and communities. The awards are supported by the European Innovation Council under Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation program.

Lisbon impressed the jury with its vision of becoming a “Unicorn Factory”. It aims to be a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship that attracts and nurtures talent, startups, and investors from all over the world. The city has demonstrated its ability to use innovation to address the challenges of urban mobility, sustainability, social inclusion, culture, and education.

Some of the initiatives that contributed to Lisbon’s success include:

  • The Lisbon Green Capital 2023 program, which aims to make the city carbon-neutral by 2050. This program promotes renewable energy, green transport, circular economy, and urban agriculture.

 

  • The Lisbon City Lab, which is a platform for co-creation and experimentation of innovative solutions for urban challenges. The platform involves citizens, researchers, companies, and public authorities.

 

  • The Lisbon Digital School, which is a network of public schools that offer digital education and skills to students and teachers. The schools use cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, and gamification.

 

  • The Lisbon Startup City, which is a strategy to support the growth and internationalization of the local startup ecosystem. It provides access to funding, mentoring, networking, incubation, and acceleration programs. Lisbon also hosts major events such as the Web Summit and the Lisbon Investment Summit.

The mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, expressed his gratitude and pride for the recognition. He said that the city will continue to pursue its ambition of being a global leader in innovation. “We are capable of being the best in the world at many things. We have to tell people that we can. We can have an innovation capital for the world here. These unicorns that I speak of are that ambition”, he said.

The European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Iliana Ivanova, congratulated Lisbon and the other finalists. She highlighted the role of cities in driving innovation and transforming society. “The iCapital awards recognize cities that excel in promoting their innovation ecosystems. These cities put the citizens and their well-being at the center of their innovative projects. They use innovation to positively transform people’s lives,” she said.

The other finalists of the iCapital awards also received prizes for their achievements. The European Rising Innovative City category, which addresses cities with a population of fewer than 250,000 inhabitants, was won by Cork (Ireland). The runners-up of the European Capital of Innovation category were Warsaw (Poland) and Lviv (Ukraine).

The iCapital awards ceremony took place on 27 November 2023 in Marseille (France) – the winner of the previous edition of the awards. The ceremony was part of the European Innovation Council Forum, a major event that brought together innovators, investors, policymakers, and stakeholders from the European innovation ecosystem.

Sources:  eiturbanmobility.eu, bing.com, theportugalnews.com, eic.ec.europa.eu eic.ec.europa.eu, eic.ec.europa.eu, theportugalnews.com, euronews.com

Police recover millions of euros and valuables from pickpockets in Lisbon.

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Police recover millions of euros and valuables from pickpockets in Lisbon.

Lisbon, Portugal – A massive operation to crack down on pickpocketing gangs in Lisbon has resulted in the recovery of millions of euros in cash and valuables, and the arrest of around 500 suspects, according to the police.

The operation, dubbed “Operation Pickpocket”, was launched in September 2023, after a surge in complaints from tourists and locals about being robbed by organized groups of thieves in the city’s most popular areas, such as Baixa, Chiado, Alfama, and Belém.

The police said that the pickpockets, who often operated in teams of two or three, used various techniques to distract and rob their victims, such as bumping into them, asking for directions, offering fake services, or pretending to be tourists themselves.

The police also said that the pickpockets were mostly foreigners, mainly from Eastern Europe, North Africa, and South America, who came to Portugal with the sole purpose of stealing. Some of them had criminal records in other countries, and some were even wanted by Interpol.

The police estimated that the pickpockets stole an average of 10,000 euros per day, amounting to more than 3 million euros in the last year. The stolen money and valuables, such as wallets, phones, watches, and jewelry, were either sent back to their countries of origin, or sold in the black market.

The operation involved more than 200 police officers, who conducted raids, searches, and arrests in various locations across the city, with the support of the judicial authorities and the immigration services. The police also used undercover agents, surveillance cameras, and informants to identify and track down the pickpockets.

The police said that the operation was a success, as it managed to dismantle several pickpocketing networks, and recover a large amount of cash and valuables, as well as weapons, drugs, and fake documents. The police also said that the operation had a positive impact on the security and tourism of the city, as it reduced the number of robberies and increased the confidence of the visitors.

The police added that the operation was not over yet, and that they would continue to monitor and prevent pickpocketing activities in the city, as well as cooperate with other countries to extradite the arrested suspects.

Source: https://www.cm-tv.pt

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