Honestly, if you've been scrolling through your feed lately, you’ve probably seen the headlines. Portugal is currently in the middle of a massive political shake-up. With the Presidential elections scheduled for January 18, 2026, the local atmosphere is... let's just say, "intense."
There are 11 candidates on the ballot. 11. That’s a record.
While the international press often focuses on the same three things—beaches, pastéis de nata, and digital nomads—the actual portugal news in english coming out of Lisbon and Porto right now is focused on something much more grounded: survival. People are talking about housing, the health system (SNS), and a general feeling that the country is at a crossroads.
Why Everyone Is Talking About the 18th
The upcoming election isn't just a formality. It’s a referendum on the last few years of "stability" that didn't always feel so stable for the average local. You have candidates like André Pestana, a trade unionist who’s basically running on the platform of "open your eyes," and Jorge Pinto, the youngest in the race, who is hammering home the climate crisis.
It’s a lot to take in.
But here’s the thing most people get wrong: they think the President in Portugal is just a figurehead. He’s not. In the Portuguese semi-presidential system, the President has the "atomic power" to dissolve Parliament. Given how fragmented the political landscape is right now, that power is more relevant than ever.
🔗 Read more: The Faces Leopard Eating Meme: Why People Still Love Watching Regret in Real Time
The Housing Crisis No One Can Solve
Let’s be real. If you’re looking for portugal news in english because you want to move there, the housing market is probably your biggest concern. It’s a mess. In Lisbon, a one-bedroom in the center is running between €900 and €1,200. That doesn't sound bad to someone from London or New York, but when you consider the local minimum wage, it's a disaster.
The government tried to fix it by ending the "Golden Visa" for real estate, but the supply just hasn't caught up.
- Lisbon Central: €1,100 average.
- Porto/Faro: €600-€800.
- Interior Regions: Significantly cheaper, but "good luck" with the Wi-Fi.
Digital Nomad Realities in 2026
You might have heard that the Digital Nomad Visa (D8) is the easy way in. Well, it’s gotten harder. As of January 2026, the income requirement has jumped to €3,680 per month. That is exactly four times the current minimum wage.
Last year it was lower. The year before that, it was even lower.
If you’re a freelancer or a remote worker, you’ve got to prove this income through bank statements from the last six months. They aren't playing around anymore. The SEF (now AIMA) is notoriously slow, and these new financial bars are meant to ensure that those moving in can actually support themselves without putting more strain on the local social services.
💡 You might also like: Whos Winning The Election Rn Polls: The January 2026 Reality Check
The Sustainability Paradox
While the cities struggle with rent, the countryside is winning awards. Águeda and Guimarães just kicked off their year as the European Green Leaf and European Green Capital for 2026. It’s a huge win.
Portugal is actually leading Europe in renewable energy. On some days, nearly 90% of the country's electricity comes from wind, solar, and hydro. But—and there’s always a but—water scarcity is becoming a terrifying reality in the Alentejo and Algarve regions.
What Really Happened with the Tourism Boom?
The Algarve is trying to pivot. They realize that "sun and sea" isn't enough when the infrastructure is buckling under the weight of 10 million passengers a year at Faro Airport. The new 2026 strategy is all about "Wine Tourism" and "Nautical Tourism."
Basically, they want people to visit in November, not just July.
It makes sense. If you’ve ever tried to find a parking spot in Albufeira in August, you know why. The 2026 budget for the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA) has been set at over €8.8 million specifically to promote year-round travel.
📖 Related: Who Has Trump Pardoned So Far: What Really Happened with the 47th President's List
The "Hidden" Stories You Missed
Aside from the big political and economic shifts, some pretty weird stuff has happened lately. Remember the 132 hamsters that escaped on a TAP airlines flight? That actually grounded a plane for days. Or the "DJ Priest" who has been selling out sets in Beirut and Lisbon, mixing electronic beats with gospel?
It’s not all grim news.
But on a serious note, the recent funicular crash in Lisbon—specifically the Elevador da Glória—has left a mark on the city. 16 people died in late 2025, and as we move into 2026, the inquiry is finally recommending that these historic trams stay closed until a total safety overhaul is finished. It’s a blow to tourism, sure, but a necessary one.
Actionable Insights for 2026
If you are following portugal news in english because you have stakes in the country, here is what you actually need to do:
- Watch the Runoff: If no candidate gets 50% on January 18, there will be a second round. This usually leads to more market volatility.
- Tax Check: If you are a nomad, look into the "IRS Jovem" if you are under 35; the tax breaks are significant but specific.
- Property Search: Look at "Silver Coast" (Nazare/Caldas da Rainha) instead of Lisbon. The prices are roughly 40% lower and the highway to the capital is excellent.
- Paperwork: If you're flying Ryanair, the Portuguese government just ruled they must allow paper boarding passes. Don't let them fine you for not having the app.
The reality is that Portugal in 2026 is a country trying to find its balance. It wants the investment, it wants the foreigners, but it also wants its own people to be able to afford a home. Whether the new President can bridge that gap is the only story that really matters this year.
Keep an eye on the voter turnout on Sunday. That will tell you everything you need to know about how fed up the population actually is.