There have been mixed reactions to the speech given by President Cavaco Silva on national TV last night in which he announced the date for Portugal’s legislative elections (Sunday, October 4) and stressed the need for an absolute majority in order to “ensure political stability”.

The country’s CDS party reacted with its belief that the coalition - of which it is part - would rely on such a majority, while more left-wing MPs questioned the value of absolute majorities altogether.

Just confirmed via Facebook is the fact that the body found last night near Brighton station was indeed that of 29-year-old student, Diogo Moreira from Espinho.

A short message informs the 14,000 members of the page that “the family of Diogo Moreira would like to thank everyone for their hard work to Find Diogo. His body was found yesterday in Brighton. Diogo was a very well known and loved man.
A memorial walk will be organised for next week to celebrate the life of this wonderful person”.

Article courtesy of the Portugal Resident http://portugalresident.com/

Portugal’s capital Lisbon has been named one of the “top 10 best European destinations” by London-based magazine Time Out. The publication says it avoided mentioning the obvious destinations, focusing instead on a “Deep Europe experience”.

“Bored by Berlin? Tired of Tuscany? Paris? We’ve all been there. If you’re serious about your European destinations, these are the places to head for…,” it continues.

British Prime Minister David Cameron and his family are planning yet another summer holiday in the Algarve this year.

British newspapers The Daily Mail and The Express have reported the PM will be visiting the Algarve in August with wife Samantha and the couple’s four children, after having already spent a holiday in the region in 2013.

2015 is well on its way to becoming another “record-breaking year” for Portugal and the Algarve’s tourism sectors.

While the government says it is focused on keeping tourism on a roll, the Algarve’s tourism board (RTA) has revealed the region’s hotels are doing better in 2015 than last year. Even British Prime Minister David Cameron is said to be planning another holiday trip to the Algarve.

The Portuguese government has given security forces the green light for a national “video vigilance” plan.

The measure has been published in State newspaper Diário da República under the Lei-Quadro da Política Criminal (LQPC) and involves equipping public spaces known for having a lot of activity as well as “elevated criminal statistics”.

A Chinese website is purporting to be putting 1,500 luxury properties in Vale do Lobo up for auction, for prices between €900,000 and €1.5 million.

Both Vale do Lobo management and the national association of real estate agents have reacted with surprise, suggesting that not only is the news hard to imagine but that it is also “abusive”.

A 29-year-old Portuguese student has gone missing from Brighton University in the UK, sparking fears for his safety.

As we write, Facebook appeals are being shared throughout the net with friends asking for any information on the whereabouts of Diogo Manuel Martins Alves Moreira.