The Order of Veterinarians (OMV) submitted a petition with approximately 8,000 signatures to the Assembly of the Republic today, 29 October. The initiative formally requests a reduction in VAT on veterinary services for pets from the current 23% to 6%, a move intended to make animal healthcare more accessible.
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Real estate agencies report that while demand remains high, transaction volumes are slowing due to a mismatch between property prices and household incomes. Homes are taking longer to sell—averaging 119 days compared to 107—as buyers become more cautious and reliant on bank financing, while the market is increasingly driven by existing property owners upgrading their homes rather than first-time buyers.
Unclaimed deposits for 'Volta' bottles and cans are held by the managing entity, SDR Portugal, for three years. These funds cannot be used as profit; they are reserved for system operations, maintenance, and innovation if recycling targets are met. If targets are not met, the funds must be split equally between the Environmental Fund and the Consumer Rights Promotion Fund.
As the 2027 State Budget enters its parliamentary committee review phase, opposition parties are pushing for amendments regarding housing support, cost-of-living measures, and pensions. The Government has signaled limited room for negotiation on these changes.