The Mayor of Porto stated that two properties previously earmarked for mosque construction, which failed to sell at public auction on September 16, may now be repurposed for public interest projects. The municipality is considering whether to lower the asking prices for future auctions or use the land itself to address municipal needs.
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The government has sent municipalities a list of 477 unused state-owned properties that councils can apply to manage. Municipalities have until 31 December to signal to the government which of these properties they intend to use for affordable housing, cultural purposes, municipal services, or healthcare.
Parliament has approved legislation ending prior oversight by the Court of Auditors for public contracts valued at up to 7.5 million euros. The head of the institution criticized the proposal as unconstitutional, while the government argued it will pave the way for faster decisions.
The PCP parliamentary group submitted a bill proposing the phased elimination of all tuition fees, access charges, and administrative emoluments in public higher education over two years for national students and those from countries with bilateral cooperation protocols. The proposal seeks to eliminate thesis submission fees in 2027, cut tuition fees by 50% for the 2027/2028 academic year, and repeal the legal basis for tuition fees upon the entry into force of the 2027 State Budget.