Police and municipal services in Sintra closed a local shopping center on Thursday, 15 October, citing severe health, hygiene, and fire-safety risks. The operation followed reports of illegal residential use of commercial spaces; two individuals were found living there in poor conditions and have been referred to social services.
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The Porto City Council is opening an overnight shelter for homeless individuals in a building in Lordelo do Ouro previously earmarked for a health center. Three local associations have legally challenged the decision, citing concerns over the building's intended purpose and the surrounding community impact.
The Northern Doctors' Union (SMN) filed a complaint regarding the USF Terras da Nóbrega unit, currently operating in a basement due to renovation works that have exceeded their original three-week estimate by three months. The union alleges poor hygiene, lack of ventilation, and inadequate waiting areas, while the local health authority (ULSAM) states the works are in their final phase and expects completion by the end of the year. Additionally, the union flagged a lack of overnight and weekend specialist support in gastroenterology, ENT, and urology at Santa Luzia Hospital in Viana do Castelo.
A strike by the Sindicato Nacional dos Trabalhadores dos Serviços e das Entidades com Fins Públicos (STTS) caused widespread disruption on Monday 2 November, with 60% participation reported. Schools, health centers, and courts were affected, with many consultations and surgeries postponed across the country, including the islands. A new strike for the public sector has been scheduled for 20 November.