The Army Chief of Staff, General Mendes Ferrão, reported a 14% increase in permanent staff applications and an 18% rise in volunteer and contract military personnel. Despite these gains, recruitment levels remain insufficient and the institution is losing highly qualified personnel.
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The government has selected Lufthansa for the partial privatization of TAP, acquiring up to 49.9% of the airline for 1.201 billion euros. The flight attendants' union (SNPVAC) is seeking clarification on how this will affect job security and the company's long-term interests, citing concerns over the centralization of power in Germany.
A 50% cut in IRS withholding tax will apply in November to reflect the interim tax reduction passed by parliament, before returning to current rates in December. While this increases take-home pay in November—including the Christmas allowance—tax experts note it will lead to smaller refunds or potential tax bills when filing in 2027, though the gap will be less severe than in previous years. EY simulations indicate that a single worker earning 1,500 euros a month with standard deductions could face a small payment of around 20.90 euros, whereas higher earners or families will still see refunds, such as 102 euros for a single worker earning 2,500 euros or roughly 806.80 euros for a couple with two children earning 4,000 euros each.
The Government decided to cut withholding tax rates for IRS by half in November. Salaries above 18,000 to 20,000 euros per month are excluded from the measure.