1. Almost 200 Portuguese Parishes Come Together to Fight Fire

As of this weekend, 182 parishes in Portugal have joined a solidarity network created by the national association of parishes (Anafre) to connect local officials in need of aid after the recent fires, especially in the north and center. The network will remain active for other crises, such as floods. On the first day of the platform’s availability, 182 parishes registered, providing information about their resources to tackle fires and other emergencies. The platform aims to link parishes directly, facilitating the distribution of support, and improving communication in times of need.

In the past week, almost 120,000 hectares burned, mainly in Viseu and Aveiro, resulting in seven deaths, around 120 injuries, and the destruction of several homes and facilities. The damage to infrastructure has left many communities in urgent need of reconstruction support. Currently, there are no significant ongoing incidents due to less favorable weather conditions for large fires.

The solidarity network allows parishes to request or offer materials and equipment, enabling neighboring parishes to help minimize damage. Jorge Veloso, president of Anafre, emphasized the importance of this platform for ensuring that aid reaches the most affected areas. This initiative, sparked by the fires, will also be used for future crises, such as floods, ensuring continuous support and communication between parishes. The network reflects a growing sense of community and resilience in the face of natural disasters.

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2. No Fines for Companies That Miss VAT and Withholding Deadlines Due to Wildfires

The Portuguese Government has decided not to impose fines on companies affected by wildfires that fail to meet VAT and withholding tax deadlines this Friday, according to the Order of Certified Accountants (OCC). After discussions with the Secretary of State for Fiscal Affairs, the Government is developing a mechanism to waive the penalties for companies and accountants unable to comply due to the fires. The OCC had requested earlier this week that the Government either extend the deadlines or remove the consequences, as the fines are “extremely high.”

Initially, the Government refused to extend the deadlines but promised to find a solution for the fines. Following criticism from the OCC, a commitment to create an exceptional mechanism was made. Paula Franco, president of the OCC, expressed relief that “common sense prevailed” and hopes that the process will be straightforward without the need for legal assistance. The mechanism will apply to all affected parties, with final details still to be confirmed. The OCC continues to stress the need for clarity and simplicity in the solution to ensure proper protection for businesses and accountants impacted by the wildfires.

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3. Fado Returns To Alfama in September

The Caixa Alfama festival returns to Lisbon’s Alfama neighborhood on September 27-28, regaining its original name from 2013 to 2017 and some of its former vitality. Known for bringing almost fifty fado artists to various venues in the historic district, the festival is now a well-established event in the city. This year’s lineup includes top male performers like Camané, António Zambujo, Ricardo Ribeiro, and Marco Rodrigues, along with the acclaimed Carminho. Despite some less exciting editions and the temporary loss of its original sponsor, Caixa Alfama remains a significant event in Lisbon’s cultural calendar.

The festival pays homage to fado legends Fernando Maurício and Amália Rodrigues. The first day includes a tribute to Maurício by fado singer Jorge Fernando and others, while the second day features a concert by younger performers honoring his legacy. Amália is celebrated with a live edition of Em Casa d’Amália, featuring performances by António Zambujo and Carminho. Additional highlights include Paulo Bragança, Marina Mota, and Nuno Guerreiro, with concerts spread across various venues in Alfama, including churches, cultural centers, and the Fado Museum.

Several locations (Alfama). September 27-28 (Friday-Saturday). 25-45€

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4. ‘Heróis do Mar’, Lisbon’s New Fish and Seafood Festival, Happens in October

Heróis do Mar, a new fish and seafood festival, will be held in Lisbon from October 3 to 6 at the Doca da Marinha. The festival features ten restaurants led by renowned Portuguese chefs, such as José Avillez and Justa Nobre, alongside international chefs like Quique Dacosta from Spain, Rafael Costa e Silva from Brazil, and Moreno Cedroni from Italy. Visitors can enjoy dishes from these chefs, attend talks on fish consumption and tourism, and participate in exclusive banquets, including a €250 meal by Quique Dacosta and José Avillez on October 4.

The event will offer 700 seats for tastings, with discussions on the restaurant industry crisis and tourism’s role in seafood consumption. The festival highlights local Lisbon restaurants with diverse culinary styles, from traditional Portuguese to international influences like Japanese and Brazilian cuisine. Special presentations from chefs such as André Cruz and Vítor Matos will take place, along with cooking classes and a gourmet market. Concerts celebrating Lusophone music will be held each night, featuring artists like Lura, Matias Damásio, GNR, and Mallu Magalhães. The festival, produced by Essência and supported by Turismo de Portugal, aims to become an annual event showcasing Portuguese fish and seafood.

Schedule: October 3-4, from 5:00pm to 12:00am; on the 5th, from 12:00pm to 12:00am; and, on the 6th, from 12:00pm to 10:00pm.

Price: the entrance costs 5€ and includes a Riedel glass and a wine tasting and two waters, access to concerts, classes, talks and presentations. Tastings in restaurants cost between 5€ and 20€.

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5. Big Portuguese Companies Inject Their Own Funds into Entrepreneurship

Large Portuguese companies, some over a century old, are investing their own funds in entrepreneurship, fostering a dynamic corporate venture capital (CVC) scene in Portugal. EDP, NOS, CTT, and Sogrape are leading strategic investments that enhance innovation in their operations and support the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. Together, these companies have €173 million to invest, part of which is already supporting national entrepreneurship. EDP Ventures, launched with €150 million, has €73 million invested across 40 companies in 12 countries. This has led to “more than €115 million in contracts” between EDP and startups like ChemiTek, Arquiled, and Probely, proving the “strategic value” of these partnerships.

NOS has committed €10 million to the NOS 5G Fund, investing in six Portuguese startups that can benefit from 5G technology. These include Reckon, Knok, and Didimo, with more investments planned. CTT, through its 1520 Innovation Fund, has invested in eight startups, such as Neuralshift, which uses AI to improve delivery operations. Sogrape Ventures, with €5 million to invest, has already seen “more than 80 startup applications” and is preparing its first investment, highlighting the potential of partnerships with startups to drive disruptive technologies. The focus on co-innovation and strategic collaborations is transforming these businesses and boosting Portugal’s entrepreneurial landscape.

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6. Quinta do Crasto Anticipates “a Good Year of Harvests with Good Quality Grapes”

Despite challenges such as labor shortages and rising costs, this year is shaping up to be a promising one for grape quality in the Douro region. Many producers are optimistic about the harvest, with expectations similar to 2023, when the region produced high volumes of grapes, enough to yield millions of bottles of wine. The Douro’s unique terroir, with its microclimate, sun exposure, and soil, continues to offer exceptional conditions for growing high-quality grapes, crucial for both Port and Douro DOC wines.

At Quinta do Crasto, for example, this year’s harvest is expected to reach around 1.3 million bottles of wine, similar to last year’s production. Although the lack of labor remains a significant concern, particularly due to the rural exodus, some vineyards have managed to offset this issue with an increasing number of immigrant workers. Additionally, the steep terrain in the Douro makes mechanizing the harvest difficult, further driving up costs. Nevertheless, the region’s wine producers remain hopeful, noting that “the Douro, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has immense potential,” and the quality of grapes this year could lead to exceptional wines.

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7. Grândola Will Alter its Municipal Master Plan to Increase Tourism Capacity

Grândola is set to amend its Municipal Master Plan (PDM) to increase its tourist capacity from 14,294 to 17,153 beds, thanks to an inter-municipal agreement on tourist intensity redistribution with Santiago do Cacém and Odemira. This proposed change, currently in public consultation until October 7, allows Grândola to respond to the high number of pending or suspended requests for prior information (PIP), which anticipated surpassing the municipality’s maximum tourist capacity of 14,915 beds. The agreement, based on the Alentejo Regional Spatial Planning Plan (PROTA), permits redistributing tourist capacity when the municipal limits are exceeded.

In 2022, Grândola had suspended the PDM in certain areas to prevent real estate speculation and halted new tourist developments. However, recent negotiations with five municipalities in the Alentejo Litoral region have resulted in a consensus that Grândola, with the highest tourist demand, should increase its capacity. Santiago do Cacém and Odemira will cede a total of 2,859 beds, the maximum allowed under PROTA. The proposal also allows for licensing tourist accommodation in rural areas and urban centers, ensuring that valid previous authorizations and favorable environmental impact declarations are respected.

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8. Will the Portuguese President Call for New Elections?

Palácio de Belém (the President’s office) remains silent on the report that President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will call early elections if the State Budget for 2025 is rejected. The report, citing a source, claims that if Parliament votes down the budget, Marcelo will opt for new elections, excluding options like governing by twelfths or presenting a rectifying budget. Concerns over the consequences of rejecting the budget, such as a potential credit rating downgrade or delays in PRR payments, are reportedly driving this decision. An official source from the Presidency refused to comment on the matter.

Earlier in September, Marcelo had already dismissed the possibility of a rectifying budget, calling it unfeasible: “How can a government that sees its budget rejected present a rectifying budget proposed by those who rejected it?” In June, Marcelo also noted that political solutions must adapt to changing situations, acknowledging the importance of passing the budget to maintain economic balance. He emphasized that “a budget that would be good to pass” is critical to avoiding instability.

With three weeks until the 2025 budget submission, negotiations between the Government and PS are on hold due to wildfires, while the PS’s key proposals, focused on Health and Education, remain central to unlocking a budget agreement. These proposals, alongside earlier demands to abandon IRS Jovem and corporate tax reductions, are decisive for the Socialists to support the budget. The looming risk of political deadlock could push Marcelo to trigger early elections, marking the third in less than three years.

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9. Police Closes One Side of the 25 of April Bridge to Arrest Suspects

Ponte 25 de Abril was closed in both directions for an hour on Wednesday for a PSP operation to arrest three suspects involved in jewelry store robberies in Fátima. The PJ, with the support of the PSP, pursued the suspects after they fired at police in Fátima, and the chase ended on the bridge. The men, considered “very violent,” were arrested after attempting to flee, with one even trying to climb the bridge structure. Train traffic was briefly halted, causing a five-minute delay.

The PJ believes the group may have committed other robberies. The investigation started after a similar robbery on August 28 in Fátima, and the suspects were monitored closely. Thousands of euros in stolen goods were recovered, including items from the latest robbery. The suspects, aged 19 and 24, have prior criminal records for armed robbery. The PJ had been tracking the suspects, and when it was deemed safe, they were arrested on the bridge. The group is considered dangerous, and the PJ hopes their criminal activity has now been stopped.

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10. Portuguese Doctors Comment on the Minister’s Order on Vacation Adjustments

Doctors have strongly criticized the Ministry of Health’s new decision as “abusive and unilateral.” The order mandates hospitals to revise doctors’ vacations whenever staffing shortages affect emergency teams. FNAM, the National Federation of Doctors, argues that the vacations were already approved by hospital administrations in April and altering them won’t solve the problem but will worsen conditions for “exhausted” teams. They insist that changing vacations without a state of emergency “won’t guarantee more doctors” but will increase dissatisfaction among overworked staff.

Health Minister Ana Paula Martins defended the decision, stating its aim is to secure winter staffing for hospital emergencies. She added that exceptions would be made for “personal or family reasons.” However, FNAM counters that their proposed solutions to the medical staffing crisis were ignored. They argue that “motivating doctors” is key to resolving the issue and call for the restoration of the five-day vacation compensation for those who take leave during off-peak periods, to ensure more availability during high-demand seasons.

Doctors are set to strike on September 24 and 25, urging professionals and the public to join a protest outside the Ministry of Health in Lisbon to demand better working conditions and stronger support for the National Health Service (SNS).

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Cristiano Ronaldo already has his own museum and an airport named after him on his home island of Madeira, but now he will also be immortalized on a coin. Portugal is set to release a €7 coin featuring the image of its greatest football icon, celebrating his extraordinary achievements on the world stage.

The €7 coin, inspired by Ronaldo’s iconic shirt number, has already been predicted to become a major hit. Described as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for collectors, this limited-edition coin, bearing the image of Ronaldo and embossed with his famous ‘CR7’ brand, could fetch up to €135,000—or around $150,000—on the secondary market.

Though its face value is €7, and it can be used as currency, its true worth lies in its limited availability, the gold content, and, of course, the name of Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal’s most famous footballer recently became the world’s first person to cross 1 billion followers across all social media networks, and his huge following is expected to attract enormous interest from both fans and collectors.

Ronaldo’s connection to the number seven has been a constant throughout his career, since his days at Manchester United, where he first emerged as a global superstar. From there, he moved to Real Madrid, where he solidified his place as one of the greatest players of all time. His subsequent stints at Juventus and his return to Manchester United before his current stint in Saudi Arabia have all seen him wear the number seven jersey, making it synonymous with his brand.

There is no denying that Ronaldo’s career is worthy of such a tribute. At 39, the Portuguese forward has scored 130 goals for his national team, an unprecedented tally that solidifies his place as one of the greatest footballers in history. His career is littered with historic moments, including leading Portugal to victory in the 2016 UEFA European Championship and the UEFA Nations League trophy in 2019. Portugal’s decision to mint a coin in his honor cements Ronaldo’s legacy in the country’s culture and history. It is a testament not only to his impact on football but also to his standing as a national hero.

The release of the coin comes at a time when Ronaldo continues to break records. Earlier this month, he scored his 900th career goal during a UEFA Nations League match against Scotland, edging closer to becoming the first man to score 1,000 professional goals. Ronaldo’s remarkable longevity and unparalleled scoring ability have kept him in the spotlight for over two decades, and there’s no sign of him slowing down. He now plays for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, continuing to add to his already incredible resume.

Will the average person use this coin as currency? Probably not. Its value as a collector’s item far outweighs its practical use. The combination of Ronaldo’s immense popularity, the coin’s limited availability, and the allure of owning a piece of football history make it more likely that these coins will end up in display cases rather than cash registers. And for Ronaldo, it’s yet another way his legacy will endure—long after he’s hung up his boots.

Five Guys Prepares to Open Its First Restaurant in Lisbon

The American burger chain is set to make its debut in Portugal in 2025. The location is still being studied, but the CEO guarantees that they are looking for an “emblematic” space in the capital. Note that the chain has chosen Portugal as part of its expansion strategy in Europe for next year, with plans to invest up to 1.5 million dollars (about 1.35 million euros) per store to open 50 new restaurants. “We will open in Portugal next year. We are considering Lisbon, as we always want to be in iconic locations. We are looking for the perfect location,” Eckhbert added.

The restaurant chain, which was founded in 1986 in the United States, has almost two thousand locations worldwide. In Europe alone, there 270 restaurants, with 170 in the United Kingdom. Known for its burgers, the generous amount of fries they serve in a paper bag, their milkshakes, and free peanuts, the brand has been gaining worldwide recognition, although their prices are higher than those of the competition. On the subject, Eckhbert argues that Five Guys’ products “offer good value” for the quantities sold. “We guarantee our customers value for their purchase. The product price may be higher than the competition, but overall, we believe we have a very appealing offering,” said the CEO.

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The Man Behind the Vale dos Judeus Prision Escape

Rodolfo “El Ruso” Lohrmann, the mastermind behind the September 7 escape of five prisoners from Vale de Judeus prison, wrote a letter in 2019 while imprisoned in Monsanto. In the letter, Lohrmann stated he had been offered “all kinds of deals, protection,” including “a sentence of less than half of what he would have received if he had testified.” He refused these offers, adding, “In due time, I will tell you how everything will unfold and how this story will end.” Lohrmann, sentenced in 2018 to 18 years for criminal association, theft, and money laundering, also described the involvement of “four or five people” in his crimes.

Authorities suspect Lohrmann and the other four fugitives have left the country. “They have a ‘capacity of mobility’ and support from criminal groups in nearby countries.” In the initial phase of the escape, “each one had a place to hide” before crossing the border. European and international arrest warrants were issued, and the Spanish police published alerts with photos of the fugitives.

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Government Declares Alert Status for Fire Risk and Takes Exceptional Measures

The Portuguese government declared an alert status for the entire mainland from Sunday afternoon until 11:59 PM on Tuesday due to the increased risk of rural fires. In response, the government introduced several exceptional measures to prevent fire outbreaks, including restrictions on access to forested areas and the use of machinery. The National Civil Protection Commander, André Fernandes, emphasized the increased operational response, with reinforcements to security forces, emergency medical teams, public health units, and social support teams. In total, 672 additional personnel were deployed, adding to the 14,000 already on the ground.

The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) has been alerting the public through SMS about the fire risk. By noon on Sunday, 52 fire incidents had been reported, following a day with 138 occurrences, particularly in the northern and central regions. Fire prevention is critical, as recent data showed a 63% incidence of daytime fires between September 9 and 15. The current measures aim to mitigate further risks and protect vulnerable areas during this period of heightened fire danger.

The exceptional measures are:

• Prohibition of access, circulation, and stay within forested areas previously defined in the Municipal Forest Defense Plans Against Fires, as well as forest paths, rural roads, and other routes that cross these areas;
• Prohibition of burning and suspension of any permits issued for such activities;
• Prohibition of work in forested areas using any type of machinery, except for rural fire combat operations;
• Prohibition of work in other rural areas involving motorized tools with blades, metal discs, brush cutters, mulchers, or machines with blades or front shovels;
• Prohibition of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices, regardless of combustion method, and suspension of issued permits.

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The Gold of the Portuguese State

The value of the Portuguese gold reserve, 383 tons, increased by 25 million euros per day this year alone, and such a reserve is fully controlled by the Bank of Portugal. It can sell or buy gold without interference from the government or the Assembly. Proceeds from sales would not automatically go to the state but could be used by the Bank for its provisions, with public coffers benefiting only through dividend distribution.

The last gold sale occurred between 2002 and 2006 under Vítor Constâncio, when 225 tons were sold in several tranches. The Bank of Portugal justified the sale by saying gold has low financial returns and no longer serves a monetary function. However, it is important to consider that there are no public criteria for when the Bank of Portugal should sell or buy gold. In 2007, the Portuguese Communist Party proposed guidelines suggesting sales during high prices or crises, using the proceeds to pay public debt and repurchase gold later, but transparency did not prevail.

Note that Portugal’s gold bars are stored in two locations: the Bank of Portugal’s vault and the Bank of England. The Bank earns revenue by lending gold to investors, making 70 million euros last year and around 250 million over the past five years. In terms of gold reserves, despite being a small country, Portugal ranks 13th globally – has more gold than larger economies like Brazil and the United Kingdom. And when compared to similarly sized EU countries, Portugal consistently leads in gold reserves. It has three times more gold than Greece, Sweden, and Romania, four times more than Hungary, and nine times more than the Czech Republic.

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76 Portuguese Footwear Companies Showcasing in Milan

Nearly 80 Portuguese footwear companies are participating in the Micam, Mipel, Lineapelle, and Simac fairs in Milan, aiming for a recovery in consumer demand to reverse the decline in exports. After a challenging 2023, where Portugal exported 35 million pairs of shoes worth €818 million—showing a year-on-year drop of 1.8% in volume and 15.2% in value—the sector is now focused on 2025. The Portuguese delegation includes 40 companies in Micam and Mipel, a 21% increase from the previous edition, while 30 companies will be present at Lineapelle, and 6 at Simac, presenting the first results of the FAIST project, part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Note that the Portuguese footwear sector, which exports over 90% of its production, remains heavily dependent on international markets. According to the Portuguese Industrialists Footwear, Components, Leather Goods and Their Substitutes Association (APICCAPS), 2023 was particularly difficult globally, with a decline in consumption and global imports dropping 8% due to the effects of war. This trend has continued into 2024, with imports from major economic blocs such as Germany, Belgium, France, Japan, and the UK all declining. However, the U.S. market stands out, showing a 1% recovery in imports after a significant loss in the previous year.

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Portuguese Judiciary Police Helped Arrest Two Jihadists from Cabo Delgado

The Portuguese Judicial Police’s National Counter-Terrorism Unit (UNCT) investigated two jihadists from Cabo Delgado who passed through Portugal. “The two suspects used bank accounts in Portuguese banks to launder money, which served to finance terrorist activities in northern Mozambique,” sources told Expresso. Their investigation was “fundamental” for Cabo Delgado authorities to capture the men, as it allowed them to follow the money trail between Portugal and Mozambique. The money was used for the “purchase and sale of military material” that was used to attack people and government buildings in Mozambique.

Cármen Massicame, spokesperson for Cabo Delgado’s prosecutor’s office, announced that the two men had been sentenced to 28 and 30 years in prison. “On September 4, 2024, both were convicted of terrorism financing crimes.” Several other Mozambicans and foreigners have been convicted for terrorism in Cabo Delgado, with 15 sentenced to up to 30 years. This case is notable because it is the first time Islamic State financiers have been imprisoned in Mozambique. Since 2017, Cabo Delgado has been affected by an armed insurgency with attacks claimed by Islamic State-linked groups. The latest attack occurred in May, with rebels fighting Mozambican and Rwandan troops and looting local shops, with some goods distributed to the population.

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The Lisbon Museum Has Reopened 11 Rooms

The Lisbon Museum, housed in Palácio Pimenta, has reopened 11 rooms, completing its renovation and embracing its role as “a museum in the city, about the city, and for the city.” This refreshed exhibition narrates Lisbon’s history from the 17th century to Expo 98, highlighting its urban and social evolution. The museum intentionally moves beyond telling only “the rosy history of Lisbon,” delving into critical themes such as “human rights during the Inquisition, slavery, and housing issues in the 20th century.”

A major change in the museum’s approach is the replacement of the concept of a “permanent exhibition” with a “long-term” one, reflecting that a city is “always under construction.” On the ground floor, a model of pre-earthquake Lisbon is displayed, while the first floor begins with a 1662 painting by Dirk Stoop. The exhibition explores the 1755 earthquake’s impact through six reconstruction plans of the city, as well as modern urban projects like Martim Moniz and Chelas. Lisbon’s identity as “multiethnic, multireligious, and multicultural” is central to the exhibition, particularly in sections that focus on the history of slavery and its lasting legacy on the city.

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Gulbenkian’s New Modern Art Center

The new Center for Modern Art (CAM) of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation will formally open on September 20, with a cost of 58 million euros, fully covered by the foundation’s own funds. António Feijó, president of the foundation, mentioned that despite an initial projection of 22.3 million euros, the cost increased due to factors such as “seismic reinforcements (7.5 million euros),” the war in Ukraine, and the pandemic. Feijó emphasized that the foundation is not financially weakened by this project.

Feijó recalled that when CAM opened in 1983, it faced controversy for “blocking the view of the Gulbenkian garden.” The new building, designed by Kengo Kuma, integrates better with the city, as Feijó noted, “opened CAM to the city.” He also stressed the importance of continuing the work: “This building has immense possibilities”, and CAM must now “be up to the extraordinary history it represents.” Vladimir Djurovic, the landscape designer, extended the original vision of the gardens, reflecting a “full campus, completely continuous with the city.”

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Two Anti-Immigration Protests (and Two Counter-Demonstrations) in Just Two Weeks

The political party Chega and the extreme Grupo 1143 are organizing two protests, one in Lisbon on September 21 and the other in Guimarães on October 5, both under the theme of “uncontrolled immigration.” André Ventura hopes that the Lisbon protest will be the largest his party has ever organized, but “it does not have a history of mass mobilization.” The route of the protest is not yet known.

In response, a group of “politicians, academics, and athletes” announced an anti-racist march titled “The Country of April 25th Doesn’t Leave the Streets to Racism,” which will go from Marquês de Pombal to Rossio. Supporters include Pilar del Río and footballer Francisco Geraldes. Ventura reacted on social media, stating, “The far-left is organizing a counter-protest on the same day as ours.”

On October 5, Grupo 1143 plans a protest in Guimarães with the slogan “Reconquer Portugal.” A counter-protest will be held by the Joint Action Group Against Racism and Xenophobia, consisting of “68 groups against racism, xenophobia, and fascism.” Expresso reports that there will be “adequate security measures” in Guimarães to prevent confrontations between the groups.

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The Nationalization Process for the Brazilian Twins in Portuguese Health Service Inquiry “Proceeded Normally”

Former consul-general Paulo Nascimento, now Portugal’s ambassador to China, clarified that the nationality process for two Luso-Brazilian twins treated with Zolgensma, a multi-million-euro drug, “proceeded normally.” He explained that the twins, being daughters of a Portuguese mother, were entitled to Portuguese nationality under the law. The parents submitted all necessary documentation in April 2019, and the process took about four months. Note that Ambassador Nascimento stated that he only became aware of the case in late 2023 through the media.

He further mentioned that he had no direct contact with the twins’ mother, Daniela Martins, or any requests regarding the case. Additionally, the Ambassador denied receiving emails or communications from the Civil House or the Portuguese government. His relationship with Nuno Rebelo de Sousa, the son of the Portuguese President of the Republic, was limited to a few institutional encounters when they both held roles in São Paulo, but did not involve discussions about the twins’ case.

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