The next Portuguese presidential election is scheduled for January 18th, 2026, when incumbent President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will finish his second and final term. A number of candidates have already entered the race, including Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo, a well-regarded military official, and Luís Marques Mendes, a Social Democrat. Key information on the 2026 race: - Election date: The election will be held on 18th January 2026. - Incumbent not running: President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term.  Potential candidates and latest polling - According to a July 2025 Intercampus poll, the race appears to be competitive, with three main contenders in a technical tie for first place: - Henrique Gouveia e Melo: The retired admiral, praised for leading Portugal's COVID-19 vaccine rollout, has seen his poll numbers fall slightly but remains a top contender. He is currently running as an independent. - Luís Marques Mendes: Supported by the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Marques Mendes has gained ground in recent polling, positioning himself as a strong rival to Gouveia e Melo. - António José Seguro: The former leader of the Socialist Party (PS) has entered the race and is now polling competitively, confirming a tight three-way race. - André Ventura: The leader of the far-right Chega party, who previously ran in 2021, is also in the race, though he trails the top three candidates in recent polls. - Other declared and potential candidates: Other figures who have entered the race or are considering a run include: João Cotrim de Figueiredo (Liberal Initiative); Mariana Mortágua (Left Bloc); António Filipe (CDU); António Sampaio da Nóvoa (academic); Rui Moreira (Mayor of Porto) and Vitorino Silva (RIR)  Impact of 2025 elections - Recent elections have seen significant political shifts that could influence the upcoming presidential vote: - Legislative Election (May 2025): The snap election resulted in the center-right Democratic Alliance (AD) winning but falling short of a majority. The far-right Chega party surged into second place, while the Socialist Party (PS) dropped to third. - Local Elections (October 2025): In local elections, the PSD won a majority in many key municipalities, while Chega secured its first three mayoral positions. The far-right party expanded its presence in municipal councils, but its overall result was less than some expected. 

Because there is crime in Portugal (it's not a paradise...), I'll place some ocasional news about the subject here. Seven people were convicted to prison (7Y9M to 16 years) for a total of 36 robberies. They robbed houses, with old folks inside, and businesses, perpetrated in the districts of Coimbra and Aveiro in early 2022.https://www.jn.pt/3644566357/sete-dos-15-arguidos-do-caso-teia-dourada-condenados-a-prisao/

"Mais vale saber que haver e dar que receber" It is better to know than to have, and to give than to receive

This month is celebrated the 500th anniversary of the birth of the most famous portuguese poet, Luís Vaz de Camões. For that reason, the Lisbon Metro signed a partnership with Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal (Portugal's National Library), so Metro travellers can have easy access to his poetry. Lisbon Metro placed posters with QR codes that allow you to listen to excerpts from Camões' most emblematic poems, performed by actor André Gago. This initiative invites customers to rediscover the richness of Camões' work during their daily journeys. https://24.sapo.pt/vida/artigos/poesia-de-luis-de-camoes-tambem-vai-andar-no-metro-de-lisboa

A growing celebration of MUSIC made in Portugal, from musical guests on the Good Morning Portugal! show, and tunes that we just love with a Portuguese connection...