« Le visage doit être considéré comme un élément central de l’identité humaine » : le Portugal interdit le port du voile intégral

Cette image provient de cet article du Figaro. | Des dérogations sont prévues notamment pour des raisons de santé, des motifs professionnels, artistiques ou climatiques, ainsi que dans les lieux de culte, les représentations diplomatiques et les avions. (Image d’illustration) ADOBE STOCK
LE FIGARO : La loi interdit le port de vêtements destinés à dissimuler le visage ou empêcher son identification dans les espaces publics, ainsi que toute contrainte imposant à une personne de se couvrir le visage pour des motifs liés notamment au genre ou à la religion.

Le président portugais Antonio José Seguro a promulgué une loi votée à l'initiative de l’extrême droite interdisant la dissimulation du visage en public, et qui dans la pratique cible les femmes musulmanes portant le voile intégral.

« Le visage doit être considéré comme un élément central de l'identité et de la communication humaines », a expliqué le chef de l'État dans un communiqué publié mardi soir. L'ancien dirigeant du Parti socialiste a toutefois reconnu qu'il s'agissait d'un sujet « de grande sensibilité sociale et culturelle ». » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | mercredi 19 août 2026

Il est regrettable que les hommes politiques britanniques n'aient pas le même courage que leurs homologues portugais ! Le voile intégral n'a pas sa place dans les sociétés occidentales. Cela renvoie à l'époque précédant les Lumières. — © Mark Alexander

Wildfire in Suffolk, UK, Not Yet Under Control, Fire Service Says | BBC News

July 30, 2026 | A UK wildfire the equivalent size of 140 football pitches is not yet under control, the fire service has said.

The blaze broke out on Dunwich Heath in Suffolk on Wednesday, with a major incident declared "due to the size and complexity" of the blaze.

Meanwhile, Greece is also among many European countries facing devastating fires and drought.

Several fires have continued to burn in Spain and Portugal, although Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared an end to the national emergency for wildfires in the Ávila and Madrid regions.

In south-west France some residents have been able to return to their homes after a major wildfire in the Gironde region.

La chanteuse Bonnie Tyler placée en coma artificiel après avoir été opérée au Portugal

LE FIGARO : Star des années 1980, la chanteuse britannique Bonnie Tylerconnue pour son tube « Total Eclipse of the Heart », a été placée jeudi dans un coma artificiel après avoir subi une opération d’urgence au Portugal, a indiqué son agent vendredi.

« Les médecins de Bonnie l'ont placée dans un coma artificiel pour favoriser son rétablissement (...) Nous vous demandons de respecter son intimité en ces moments difficiles », a indiqué le porte-parole de la chanteuse, Judd Lander dans une déclaration transmise à l'AFP. Bonnie Tyler connue pour sa chevelure blonde et sa voix rocailleuse, a été admise mercredi à l'hôpital de Faro, où elle possède une résidence secondaire, pour une « opération intestinale d'urgence ». Son entourage avait dans un premier temps annoncé que l'intervention s'était « bien déroulée » et que la star était « en convalescence », sans donner plus de détails sur son état de santé. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | vendredi 8 mai 2026

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Bonnie Tyler in induced coma after emergency intestinal surgery: Spokesperson for Welsh singer shared further update on her health after she was rushed to hospital in Faro, Portugal »

Portugal Elects Socialist as President But Far-right Rival Takes Record Vote Share

THE GUARDIAN: António José Seguro scores resounding win despite André Ventura’s populist Chega party securing 33.2% of votes

The moderate socialist António José Seguro won a resounding victory in the second round of Portugal’s presidential election on Sunday, triumphing over his far-right opponent, André Ventura, whose Chega party still managed to take a record share of the vote.

Seguro won 66.8% of votes to Ventura’s 33.2% in the election, which went ahead despite weeks of disruption caused by deadly storms. The vote to elect a successor to the outgoing president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, was marked by a cross-party push to head off the prospect of a Chega victory, with some senior rightwing figures throwing their weight behind the centre-left candidate to keep Ventura from entering the presidential palace.

“The response the Portuguese people gave today, their commitment to freedom, democracy, and the future of our country, leaves me naturally moved and proud of our nation,” said Seguro.

Ventura, a former football pundit, columnist, seminarian and novelist who founded Chega seven years ago, said the result showed that “the message from the Portuguese people is clear”, adding that Chega was now the main party on the right and would “soon be governing Portugal”. Earlier on Sunday, he had accused “the entire political system” of uniting against him. » | Sam Jones in Madrid, and agency | Monday, February 9, 2026

Landslide Win for Centre-left Candidate António José Seguro in Portugal’s Presidential Runoff

THE GUARDIAN: Moderate socialist defeats far-right populist André Ventura, with exit polls putting him comfortably above two-thirds of vote

Moderate socialist António José Seguro secured a landslide victory and a five-year term as Portugal’s president in a runoff vote on Sunday, beating his far-right, anti-establishment rival André Ventura, exit polls and partial results showed.

A succession of storms in recent days failed to deter voters, with turnout at about the same level as in the first round on 18 January, even though three municipal councils in southern and central Portugal had to postpone voting by a week due to floods.

“The response the Portuguese people gave today, their commitment to freedom, democracy, and the future of our country, leaves me naturally moved and proud of our nation,” Seguro, 63, told reporters. » | Associated Press in Lisbon | Sunday, February 8, 2026

Portugal’s Forgotten Dictatorship: The Era Salazar | History Documentary

Aug 28, 2025 | For 48 years, António Salazar ruled Portugal with silent force. This documentary reveals how Europe’s longest right-wing dictatorship controlled a nation—and why the world barely remembers it.

Inside Portugal’s Tascas: Where Food Feels Like Home | Cheers & Chats Ep. 8 | Reupload

Oct 18, 2025 | Tascas are traditional, family-run taverns found across Portugal – known for generous portions, affordable prices, and a strong sense of community. But rising rents and changing lifestyles are putting them at risk. This video takes you inside one of the city’s most authentic Tascas to meet the people behind the food. Let’s visit João’s Tasca, a beloved neighborhood spot, to explore what makes these places so special and why they’re worth preserving. With insights from locals and food experts, this is a portrait of a culinary institution under threat.

Portugal Presidential Election: Socialist Party’s Seguro to Face Far-right Leader in Runoff

THE GUARDIAN: Moderate socialist Antonio Jose Seguro came out on top in the first round, followed by Andre Ventura of the far-right Chega party

Moderate socialist Antonio Jose Seguro came out on top in the first round of Portugal’s presidential election on Sunday, followed by the far-right leader Andre Ventura, and the two will face off in a runoff on 8 February.

In the five decades since Portugal threw off its fascist dictatorship, a presidential election has only once before required a runoff – in 1986 – highlighting how fragmented the political landscape has become with the rise of the far right and voter disenchantment with mainstream parties.

The presidency is a largely ceremonial role in Portugal but wields some key powers, including in some circumstances to dissolve parliament, to call a snap parliamentary election, and to veto legislation. » | Reuters | Monday, January 19, 2026

Ferraris for all and wine on tap: satirical candidate shakes up Portugal’s presidential election: The campaign by ‘Candidate Vieira’ mirrors the country’s growing anti-establishment sentiment »

Présidentielle au Portugal : le candidat socialiste en tête au premier tour, le candidat d’extrême droite arrive en deuxième position

LE FIGARO : Antonio José Seguro est arrivé en tête du premier tour de l’élection présidentielle de dimanche au Portugal, suivi par le leader d’extrême droite André Ventura. Le premier ministre Luis Montenegro exclut de donner une consigne de vote pour le second tour, prévu le 8 février

Le candidat socialiste Antonio José Seguro est arrivé en tête du premier tour de l’élection présidentielle de dimanche au Portugal, suivi par le leader d’extrême droite André Ventura, selon deux sondages à la sortie des bureaux de vote réalisés pour les télévisions locales. Favori des sondages publiés avant le vote, le leader d’extrême droite André Ventura est arrivé en deuxième position du premier tour de l’élection présidentielle, se qualifiant ainsi pour le second tour. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | dimanche 18 janvier 2026

Au Portugal, le gouvernement et l’extrême droite s’accordent sur une nouvelle loi de la nationalité

LE FIGARO : L’objectif recherché est d’allonger les délais pour que les immigrés puissent obtenir la nationalité portugaise.

Sans majorité absolue au Parlement, le gouvernement portugais de droite est parvenu mardi à un accord avec l'extrême droite pour adopter une réforme de la loi encadrant la naturalisation des étrangers. «Nous aurons une nouvelle loi de la nationalité», qui viendra notamment allonger les délais pour que les immigrés puissent obtenir la nationalité portugaise, a annoncé le député Hugo Soares, chef du groupe parlementaire du camp gouvernemental, à l'agence de presse Lusa. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | mardi 28 octobre 2025

Inside Portugal’s Tascas: Where Food Feels Like Home | Cheers & Chats

Oct 18, 2025 | Tascas are traditional, family-run taverns found across Portugal – known for generous portions, affordable prices, and a strong sense of community. But rising rents and changing lifestyles are putting them at risk. This video takes you inside one of the city’s most authentic Tascas to meet the people behind the food. Let’s visit João’s Tasca, a beloved neighborhood spot, to explore what makes these places so special and why they’re worth preserving. With insights from locals and food experts, this is a portrait of a culinary institution under threat.

Lisbon Funicular Crash: Portugal’s PM Vows Swift and thorough Investigation

THE GUARDIAN Luís Montenegro describes incident, in which 16 people died, as ‘one of the biggest tragedies in our recent history’

Portugal’s prime minister, Luís Montenegro, has promised a swift and thorough investigation to determine the causes of the funicular railway crash that killed 16 people and injured 21 others in Lisbon, describing the incident as “one of the biggest tragedies in our recent history”.

Public prosecutors are already looking into the crash, which happened on the Portuguese capital’s famous Glória funicular just after 6pm on Wednesday. The city’s mayor has also asked Carris, the municipal public transport company that operates the service, to investigate.

All those killed when one of the funicular’s two cars derailed and crashed into a building were adults, according to Margarida Castro Martins, the head of the city’s civil protection agency.

She said the victims’ families would be informed before any names or nationalities were released, but confirmed that those injured in the crash included Portuguese people as well as two Germans, two Spaniards and one person each from Canada, Cape Verde, France, Italy, Morocco, South Korea and Switzerland.

Carris later said that one of its workers, a brake operator, had died in the crash. » | Sam Jones in Madrid, Helen Livingstone and agencies | Thursday, September 4, 2025

At Least 15 People Killed after Lisbon’s Funicular Railway Derails

THE GUARDIAN: President laments accident on railway that carries passengers up and down a hillside in Portuguese capital

At least 15 people have been killed after Lisbon’s Gloria funicular railway car derailed and crashed, an emergency medical service spokesperson has said.

Authorities would not identify the victims or disclose their nationalities, but said some foreign nationals were among the dead. At least 18 people were also injured.

“It’s a tragic day for our city ... Lisbon is in mourning, it is a tragic, tragic incident,” Carlos Moedas, the mayor of the Portuguese capital, told reporters.

Footage from the site showed the tram-like funicular, which carries people up and down a hillside in the Portuguese capital, destroyed and emergency workers pulling people out of the wreckage. » | Reuters | Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Portugal : le funiculaire emblématique de Lisbonne déraille, le bilan s’alourdit à 15 morts et 18 blessés : Le gouvernement portugais a décrété une journée de deuil national jeudi. Des touristes étrangers se trouvaient dans le funiculaire. »

At Least 15 Dead After Lisbon Funicular Derails and Crashes, Officials Say: The funicular line, one of three in Lisbon, is a popular tourist attraction. »

Portugal’s Forgotten Dictatorship: The Era Salazar | History Documentary

Aug 28, 2025 | For 48 years, António Salazar ruled Portugal with silent force. This documentary reveals how Europe’s longest right-wing dictatorship controlled a nation—and why the world barely remembers it.

Wildfires Rage in Spain and Portugal amid Searing Heat

THE GUARDIAN: Extreme temperatures exacerbated by carbon pollution fuel fires in southern Europe as green policies are rolled back

Relentless heat and raging wildfires continue to ravage southern Europe, with one-quarter of weather stations in Spain recording 40C temperatures, as the prime minister urged people to “leave the climate emergency outside of partisan struggles”.

The Spanish weather agency Aemet recorded a high of 45.8C in Cádiz on Sunday, while one in eight weather stations nationwide hit peaks of at least 42C (108F) . The agency warned of “very high or extreme fire danger” in most of the country in a post on social media on Monday.

“Although the heatwave is starting to subside, very high temperatures will still be reached today in the east and south of the peninsula,” it said. “Be cautious.”

Deadly fires have burned 348,000 hectares in Spain this year, according to preliminary data published by Copernicus on Monday, charring even more land than when the previous record was set in 2022. » | Ajit Niranjan and Sam Jones | Monday, August 18, 2025

The Only Truly Original Pastéis de Nata | Pastéis de Belém from Lisbon, Portugal

Jul 18, 2020 | Many people have heard of the famous Pastéis de Nata. The recipe for the original pastéis - the "Pastéis de Belém" – has been kept a secret for more than 185 years. Created in the Belém district of Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, its current guardians are the three pastry chefs of the Pastéis de Belém bakery. Around 20,000 are baked there daily. People from throughout Portugal and even the world come here to enjoy these delicious, and truly original delicacies.

A Tour of O Mercado de Lisboa, Lisbon's Best Food Market

Nov 20, 2020 | Celia Pedroso from Pasteis de Belem gives us a tour of O Mercado de Lisboa, Lisbon’s best food market that has been thriving in the city for more than a century. She shows Chef Einav Gefen some of the market’s specialties, including acorn bread.

Welcome to the Jewish Community of Lisbon

Dec 27, 2024 | Portugal 🇵🇹 is the oldest nation-state in Europe, having established its current borders in the mid-13th century. It is also home to a reviving Jewish community.

We had the opportunity this year to travel there. Step into the world of Jewish Lisbon with a guide from the local community.

Portugal Brain Drain: Young Professionals Flee Stagnating Economy

Nov 17, 2024 | A stagnant economy and spiraling cost of living in Portugal are forcing a generation of young people to seek opportunities elsewhere - a brain drain that costs the economy billions of dollars in lost revenue.

The government's planning generous tax breaks for young people to encourage them to stay. But even that might not be enough.

Al Jazeera’s Jonah Hull reports from Lisbon, Portugal.

Portugal's Islamic/Moorish Past | Reupload

Oct 11, 2017 | In this documentary, we uncover the influence that 500 years of Muslim occupation had on Portugal and Portuguese culture. We visit some important sights and hear from Portuguese people regarding their views on this significant part of their history. Despite being overlooked at times, the Islamic occupation, known as its Moorish past, has had a huge impact on Portugal.

While in Spain, the seven centuries of Muslim rule is very well-known, in Portugal it typically goes unnoticed. Despite being overlooked at times, the Islamic occupation, known as its Moorish past, has had a huge impact on Portugal.

The Muslims invaded present-day Portugal in the year 711 and established their capital in what is modern day "Silves". A significant part of this documentary takes us to Silves, which is still one of the best places in Portugal to see the influence of the Muslim period. Silves was the main access route to the inland areas of the Algarve, and the Silves castle, which was built by the Almoravid Arabs in the 11th century, is the best-preserved and most significant castle in the region. One of Portugal's main tourist attractions are its the beautiful beaches in the Algarve region. The name Algarve itself is derived from the Arabic word "al-Gharb"(*see below), meaning the West. Portugal was the most Western part of the Muslim empire and it was officially referred to as al-Gharb al-Andalus, meaning West of Al-Andalus. Nowadays Al-Andalus is often referred to as Muslim Spain, or Islamic Iberia.

It is not just the physical monuments which make Portugal’s Muslim past evident, but you can also find it in the country’s language and culture, even though the entire Reconquest centred around getting rid of Islamic influence altogether. Some Arabic words have permanently entered the Portuguese language, words for sugar, rice, olive oil, lettuce, village, the west and many others. Even Portugal’s most popular holiday spot, Albufeira, gets its name from Arabic, having then been called (Albuhayra) which means the lake in Arabic. The journey also takes us to Sintra, among other places, where the massive Moorish Castle stands. It was built by Muslims between the 9th and 10th centuries, the castle was vital in order to protect its population.

The southernmost region of Portugal was finally conquered by Christians and taken away from the Muslims in 1249, and in 1255 the capital shifted to Lisbon. Neighbouring Spain would not complete its Reconquista until 1492.


Making connections… Compare al-Gharb (الغرب), meaning the west in Arabic with the name for Morocco in Arabic which is Al-Maghrib (المغرب) which basically means ‘place in the West’. Putting an ‘m’ before many words in Arabic turns the word into a place where something is, or a place where something is done or is carried out. Another example to illustrate this point is the following: the words for bread and bakery in Arabic. The word for bread is khubz (خبز). Putting an ‘m’ in front of ‘khubz’ turns it into a bakery (مخبز). The word for ‘stop’ or ‘halt’ is qif (قف). So a bus stop becomes mawqif (موقف ), or a place for stopping. I feel sure that some of my visitors will be interested to learn this. I hope so anyway. — © Mark Alexander