portugal

Portugal’s New Minority Government Orders Tax Cuts

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Portugal's New Minority Government Orders Tax Cuts

Portugal’s new centre-right Prime Minister Luis Montenegro announced income and corporate tax cuts in his first speech to parliament. Montenegro’s Democratic Alliance party, which has no majority, refused to make an accord with the far-right Chega party. Income tax will be cut by 1.5 billion euros, with middle-income earners benefiting most. Company taxes will be reduced from 21 percent to 15 percent over three years. The government’s programme will only pass in parliament with the abstention of the Socialists, who have 78 seats compared to the Democratic Alliance’s 80. Chega made significant gains in the March elections, and the Socialists have said they will oppose many government measures. Socialist leader Pedro Nuno Santos has warned that it will be “practically impossible” for his party to support the government’s 2025 budget.

Portugal’s new government vows to keep balanced budgets, privatise TAP

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Portugal’s new government vows to keep balanced budgets, privatise TAP

Portugal’s new minority centre-right government plans to maintain balanced budgets, reduce public debt, and privatize flag carrier TAP. The previous Socialist administration saw a budget surplus last year, and the new government aims to continue with the privatization process, attracting interest from companies like Lufthansa, Air France-KLM, and IAG. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro intends to fully privatize TAP, and the government’s program includes proposals from other parties’ electoral programs. The program will be debated in parliament later this week.

Spanish PM to lobby EU partners for Palestinian state recognition

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Spanish PM to lobby EU partners for Palestinian state recognition

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is meeting with several EU counterparts to seek support for recognizing a Palestinian state. He aims to address the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and push for a two-state solution. Spain, Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia are working together towards Palestinian state recognition, despite Israel’s opposition. Sanchez will visit Oslo and Dublin to discuss this issue with Norway and Ireland’s leaders.

Spain to scupper ‘golden visas’ for foreign real estate investors

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Spain to scupper ‘golden visas’ for foreign real estate investors

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the scrapping of the golden visa programme, which grants residency rights to foreigners who make large investments in real estate. The programme, which required a minimum investment of 500,000 euros, will be eliminated to make access to affordable housing a right instead of a speculative business. Portugal has also revamped its golden visa scheme, excluding real estate investment to address a housing crisis.

Cyprus beaches among 25 best in Europe

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Cyprus beaches among 25 best in Europe

Three beaches in the Ayia Napa-Protaras area in Cyprus have been ranked among Europe’s top 25 beaches for 2024 by Tripadvisor. Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa is ranked 7th in Europe and 22nd globally, while Fig Tree Bay in Protaras is ranked 15th in Europe and Makronissos Beach in Ayia Napa is ranked 18th in Europe.

Home renovations for Europe, ’s low-income families get a boost

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Home renovations for Europe, ’s low-income families get a boost

Fact: In the northeastern Italian city of Trieste, a construction project is underway to demolish and replace eight buildings with social housing from the 1950s with energy-efficient apartments, creating green spaces and improving existing ones to enhance the area and promote outdoor activity and social interaction.

Trump says $50 million raised from biggest fundraiser yet

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Trump says $50 million raised from biggest fundraiser yet

Donald Trump’s campaign raised .5 million at a Florida fundraiser, the largest of his campaign. The money will help cover his legal fees and previous payouts. Trump has the support of wealthy donors like Robert Mercer and Phil Ruffin. The fundraiser also raised money for Trump’s legal fees. Biden’s spokesperson suggested that billionaires support Trump due to tax preferences. The funds raised will be allocated to various groups, including Trump’s Save America leadership group. Trump’s campaign emphasized the importance of continuing fundraising momentum.

A lively time in the garden

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A lively time in the garden

Plants are thriving and flowers are blooming in the garden. The calla lily bed is sharing its white flowers, trees are looking fresh with green foliage, and jacarandas and Melia trees are flowering. Echium webbii, ‘Painted Lady’ butterflies, wisteria, and irises are also mentioned as blooming in the garden. Alyogyne huegelii, also known as the ‘Australian hibiscus’ or ‘blue hibiscus,’ is described as an attractive shrub that can grow up to three meters and has light mauve flowers.

Colourful concerts not to miss

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Colourful concerts not to miss

Fact: A concert by the Gaba Project featuring Nicolas Tryphonos with handpan, lyra, and double bass will take place in Limassol on April 14 at Ypogeia Skini/Polichoros Synergeio at 8pm.

BBF pioneering sustainable real estate development and innovation

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BBF pioneering sustainable real estate development and innovation

BBF is a leading real estate and development company in Cyprus, with over 145 developments at various stages of design and development.