Friday Briefing: Political divide deepens on immigration

Good morning and welcome to PORTUGAL DECODED. The left delayed the nationality law vote until September. But the right will still push for immigration reform before summer recess. Here's the lowdown.

TALK OF THE TOWN

POLITICS

Far-right Chega came under fire for naming children and making false claims about immigrant school access, prompting legal complaints and condemnation over privacy breaches and xenophobic rhetoric (More).

The Health Minister faces mounting pressure to resign following emergency service failures and revelations that Portugal’s only night-capable helicopter is too large to land at hospital heliports (More).

SOCIETY

Health authorities have revised the excess death toll from the late June–early July heatwave to 284. Temperatures reached 48°C in parts of Portugal, which the EU’s Copernicus criteria classifies as “extreme heat stress” (More).

Police arrested 58 people in a major crackdown on a criminal network that arranged fake marriages between poor Portuguese women and foreign nationals seeking residency, uncovering at least 60 fraudulent unions (More).

ECONOMICS

Real wages in Portugal have surpassed pre-inflation crisis levels, but a new study shows the minimum wage still fails to cover basic living costs, placing Portugal among the worst in the EU for income shortfalls (More).

A European Court of Justice ruling banned extra charges for cabin bags that meet “reasonable limits.” In response, A4E standardised under-seat luggage at 40 x 30 x 15 cm, but some airlines, including easyJet, want to keep more generous (More).

CULTURE AND SPORTS

FC Porto has appointed 36-year-old Italian Francesco Farioli, formerly of Ajax, as head coach. He replaces Martín Anselmi, dismissed just six months into a contract originally set to run until 2027 (More).

Former Victoria’s Secret Angel Sara Sampaio is the latest Portuguese actress to land a major Hollywood role, starring as Eve Teschmacher in James Gunn’s blockbuster Superman, which premiered this Thursday in cinemas (More).

DECODER

What happened?

Parliament yesterday approved motions to fast-track the government’s proposals to amend the nationality and immigration laws and to create a new Foreigners and Borders Unit within the PSP (UNEF). The decision to fast-track the nationality law reform sparked a tense exchange between left- and right-wing benches. It was rejected by all left-wing parties - the Socialists (PS), eco-socialist Livre, the Communists (PCP), the Left Bloc (BE), centre-left JPP, and green PAN - and approved by all right-wing parties: the centre-right PSD, far-right Chega, the liberal Iniciativa Liberal, and conservative CDS. On the immigration reform proposal, the liberals (IL) voted with the left in opposition, but the motion passed with the support of PSD, Chega, and CDS. There was broader consensus on fast-tracking the creation of the new PSP Borders Unit, backed by PSD, Chega, PS, and IL, with abstentions from PCP and JPP, and votes against from BE, Livre, and PAN.

The Deputy Minister of the Presidency and Immigration, Rui Armindo Freitas, was on TV to defend the proposals | Photo via SIC Notícias

Does this mean the government’s proposals will pass before the summer break?

Not exactly. On Wednesday, the Government parties had already agreed to extend discussions on the Nationality Law until the third week of September. The government had originally planned to hold the vote on July 16, the final parliamentary session before the summer recess, but concerns over the potential unconstitutionality of some provisions led the ruling PSD to accept a round of expert hearings. The condition: the process must be completed by the third week of September, before the start of budget negotiations. Otherwise, the vote on the Nationality Law could be postponed until December, as Parliament must suspend all other legislative work during the budget process. After the hearings, the revised bill must still pass committee approval and a final plenary vote - aside from the strong likelihood of Constitutional Court review, which may take another couple of months.

What about the immigration law?

While the PSD showed some flexibility on the timing of the nationality law vote, it rejected calls for hearings on the proposed immigration reforms and the creation of UNEF. On Wednesday, right-wing parties voted down all motions to consult immigrant associations, a move that would have delayed the process until after the summer. In response, the Socialist Party (PS) and Left Bloc (BE) filed potestative motions to postpone discussions, accusing the right of shutting down dialogue and avoiding proper scrutiny. Still, the PSD is pushing ahead, scheduling a final committee vote for this Friday at 3 p.m. If the bill passes committee, which appears likely, and given that fast-tracking was approved yesterday, there’s a strong chance it will go to a final plenary vote next Wednesday, July 16. Stay tuned to PORTUGAL DECODED on Instagram - we’ll share the vote results as soon as they’re in.

Can the government still pass the reforms before the summer recess?

Yes. Following the May 18 election, the right-wing has a two-thirds in Parliament, which is enough to pass the immigration bill. But that support isn’t fully locked in. Negotiations between the government and Chega are still ongoing. On Thursday, Chega moved closer to the government's position by dropping its demand for a total suspension of family reunification. However, it proposed limiting the regime to “ascendants or descendants in the direct line up to the second degree” and removing references to family ties established “prior or subsequent to the resident’s entry,” which it considers too broad. Chega also introduced a new amendment that would bar third-country nationals who entered Portugal illegally from applying for any type of visa, including residence, high-skilled job-seeker, or temporary stay, for ten years. It’s also worth noting that in yesterday’s vote, the liberals opposed fast-tracking the immigration bill, suggesting reservations about the proposal.

During a ceremony in Lisbon this week, President Marcelo contrasted Angela Merkel’s “steadfast stance on migration” with a “selfish wave” sweeping across Europe | Photo by Miguel Figueiredo Lopes via Presidência

Did the President speak the issue again?

Oh yes… in President Marcelo’s own kind of way. On Wednesday, speaking at a ceremony awarding former German Chancellor Angela Merkel an honorary doctorate from the Catholic University of Portugal, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa commended her for standing firm in defense of migrants, even when facing opposition from her own party, government, and a shifting public sentiment. “Above all,” he said, “I will never forget, and neither will millions of others, her unwavering position on migration, taken against her party, her government, and a Europe and world already falling prey to a tempting, selfish, sometimes hypocritical but increasingly popular and supposedly compassionate wave, which will continue to rise until its own sorcerers become victims of their spells.”

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TIPS OF WEEK

Lisbon

Cine Society

Cine Society returns with its signature outdoor cinema sessions, set against the scenic backdrops of the Carmo Rooftop and Doca da Marinha by the river. This year’s programme blends timeless classics with contemporary cult favourites, including The Wizard of Oz, Casablanca, La La Land, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Fight Club. Special screenings will also take place at the Sheraton Hotel in Quinta da Marinha, Cascais, on August 2 and September 13. Doors open at 8pm to catch the last light of day, with films starting at 9pm (except on the final night, which begins an hour earlier). Tickets are €14.50 and include a cosy blanket for cooler evenings. The season runs through October. Full programme available here.

Porto

Margareth Menezes

Afro-pop goddess, queen of axé, and samba-reggae ambassador, actress, and Brazil’s current Minister of Culture, Margareth Menezes is a whirlwind of overflowing talent. Born into a humble Black family on the outskirts of São Salvador, the powerful-voiced Bahian artist is now a musical icon. The 62-year-old artist gained international fame with her 1990 album Elegibô, produced by David Byrne. A year earlier, she had opened shows on the Talking Heads frontman's tour. From the electric trios of Carnival to stages around the world, Margareth carries the vibrant energy, innate musicality, and sensuality of the Brazilian people. She will perform at Casa da Música on July 30. Tickets €15,00 ‐ € 30,00, available here.

Lisbon-Cascais

Swim Grand Prix

The iconic Lisbon–Cascais Swim, a 20 km ultramarathon through the Tagus River and Atlantic Ocean, returns as a key event in the Swim Grand Prix 2025. One of Europe’s largest open-water races, it will feature around 100 athletes, starting at Lisbon’s historic Doca de Belém, near landmarks like the Belém Tower and Monument to the Discoveries, and ending in Cascais. The course follows the outgoing tide for the first 9 km before reaching open sea. Held on July 19-20, the event benefits from warmer air and water temperatures, improving safety and performance. The Swim GP has gained increasing international recognition, with 50% foreign participation last year. The event now offers multiple race formats: from kids' swims (200–400m) to 1 km, 1.9 km, 3.8 km, 5 km, 10 km, and the flagship 20 km crossing, welcoming swimmers of all levels. More information here.

Lamego

Six Senses Garden Party

This summer, Six Senses Douro Valley is hosting two unforgettable Garden Parties in its idyllic riverside gardens. On July 26th, the hotel celebrates its 10th anniversary with a night of live music, fireworks, surprise experiences, and dishes from guest chefs representing Six Senses properties in London, India, and Japan, alongside resident chef José Gomes. On August 30th, the focus shifts to the flavors and rhythms of the Douro, with stations featuring regional cuisine, wines from producers like Quinta do Noval and Real Companhia Velha, and creative low-alcohol cocktails and kombuchas, including a fig leaf “smart drink.” Both events take place from 7:30 PM to midnight in the hotel’s organic garden and new greenhouse, with live bands followed by DJ sets. Soulful and sensory-rich, these evenings celebrate local culture, seasonal gastronomy, and summer at its best, under the stars in the heart of the Douro Valley.

Cacela Velha

Nights of the Enchanted Moorish Maiden

The spirit of the Thousand and One Nights returns to the stunning coastal village of Cacela Velha for another edition of “Noites da Moura Encantada”, taking place from July 11-13, 2025. With free entry, the event transforms the village into a celebration of Mediterranean cultures, running from 6pm to midnight against the stunning backdrop of the Ria Formosa. The programme includes live music, oriental dance, street theatre, workshops, and a traditional souk featuring crafts, spices, and regional cuisine. Highlights include Islamic games in the old cemetery, puppet theatre, storytelling, and performances by artists such as Bacisko Susso, Helena Madeira, and Emilio Villalba & Sara Marina. Each evening ends with a fire show and oriental dance by Mónica Pereira. Organized by the Vila Real de Santo António Council with local partners, the event celebrates the Arab-Andalusian heritage of the region.