The Portugal News - Issue 910

2007·22.9 MB·English

by  The Portugal News

THE PORTUGAL
go to www.the-
news.net and
download our
missing
Madeleine poster
Portugal’s National Newspaper in English
2 June 2007 • Edition Nº 910 • €1.50 inc. IVA • Publisher: Paul Allen-Luckman • Editor: Brendan de Beer • www.the-news.net
Baby on sale for Turn to page 25 and READER OFFER:
€50 Home Save up to 75% on your Special Health
A Romanian woman has Insurance mobileO phNoneE bill Insurance
lost custody of a three-
malloengtehd olyld a bttaebmy patfintegr to ubUnyn dioNenrowrwrititcehn 40%up to one see
sell her for 50 euros. The page 59
mother reportedly went off
door-to-door as she tried
to procure a buyer. Kate and Gerry travel Europe as they look to
Initially, she had put a
price tag of €1,500 on the
dehydrated and mal- raise awareness of their missing daughter
nourished child, but
drastically dropped her HOPING AND
asking price as the day
progressed. (See Page
2)
Portugal charged
over corporal
punishment
The Council of Europe PRAYING
has lashed out at
Portugal for violating
children’s rights after the
Supreme Court had
ruled that the corporal
punishment of
handicapped children at
a home was “legal” and
“acceptable”. (See Page
3)
Southern
Portugal’s only
crematorium
closed
The only crematorium in
Southern Portugal, in
Ferreira do Alentejo, has
been closed after six
years of non-stop
cremations so the
incinerator can undergo
a thorough inspection
and maintenance. (See
P.4)
Portuguese PM
completes busy
Moscow visit
Prime Minister José
Sócrates was this week
caught in the middle of a
propaganda campaign
during a two-day visit to
Russia. (See Page 5)
Nani and Anderson
join Red Devils
Sporting’s Portuguese
international winger
Nani and FC Porto’s
Brazilian midfielder have
signed for English
champions Manchester
United in combined fees
of around 50 million
euros. (See Page 72)
Pope BenedictXVI lays
hands on a photo of
Weekend weather Madeleine McCann and prays
Lisbon: Saturday: Mostly for her while Kate and Gerry
McCann look on with hopeful
Sunny, high of 27º
expectation. (Photo. EPA /
Sunday: Sunny and Osservatore Romano)
windy, high of 27º. Faro:
Saturday: Mostly Sunny,
high of 27º Sunday: This Sunday it will be exactly a calendar month since four-year-old Madeleine McCann was snatched from her bed. Despite the combined efforts
Sunny, high of 26º. of Portuguese and British police forces, religiously assisted by hundreds of volunteers and well-wishers the past few weeks, litte progress has
Oporto: Saturday: been made in understanding where Madeleine might be today. Meanwhile, Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry, this week continued their super-
Scattered showers, high human efforts in finding their daughter, with the past week being marked by their trip to the Vatican. One of the most poignant moments since May
of 23º Sunday: Partly 3, was the meeting between the McCanns and Pope Benedict XVI. The Pope was seen blessing a photograph of Madeleine in St Peter’s Square
cloudy, high of 23º. and appeared to offer consolation to Kate and Gerry while taking hold of their hands. Madeleine, see p. 12
news
2 The Portugal News • 2 Jun 2007
Baby on sale for €50
A Romanian woman has lost custody of a three-month
old baby after allegedly attempting to sell her for 50
euros. The mother reportedly went door-to-door trying
to procure a buyer. Initially, she had put a price tag of
€1,500 on the dehydrated and mal-nourished child, but
drastically dropped her ask as the day progressed.
Earlier this month, nine Roma- ing she needed money. The 20- old from the Algarve area for
nians were arrested in Vila Franca year old mother apparently ex- adoption.
de Xira after attempting to sell a plained that she had already sold At the time a Portuguese daily
four-month-old baby at the en- a three-year old daughter for 50 investigated the advert by con-
trance to a local supermarket. euros to help her family and indi- tacting the site, pretending to be
The group had reportedly put cated she would accept a similar interested in the adoption of a
a price of between ten and 15 thou- offer for Joana. child and was given the immedi-
sands euros on the baby’s head. Police are also investigating the ate answer that the child would
Over the weekend, a 20-year possibility that the couple were not be Portuguese or even Euro-
old Romanian imitated her com- using the baby as “bait” to con po- pean. The child suggested for
patriots’ attempts, but at a much tential buyers who, after com- adoption was allegedly from the
reduced rate, by knocking on the pleting their side of the bargain African country of Cameroon.
doors of the Alentejo village Casa would not receive their part of the Another notice, written in bad
Branca looking for buyers of her exchange deal. Portuguese, said it represented
newly-born daughter. The couple is also being inves- an orphanage in the Greater Lis-
Those who saw the infant say tigated in connection with a spate bon Area that was looking to re-
she is “very pretty, with blonde of burglaries and thefts reported locate some of its children.
hair and blue eyes”, though she in the area in recent days, police Despite police investigations,
looked “to be in a bad state and sources have said. they have been unable to identify
was crying”. Reports have meanwhile the source of the advertisement.
The woman was accompanied emerged that another Romanian The OLX acts as an on-line
by a man, who police say is not woman had been in the village market, available in 33 countries.
the girl’s father. days before looking to sell her 10- Countries that have advertised
The baby, whose name is be- year-old daughter. children include the UK, South
lieved to be ‘Joana’ was removed In a related story, a website Africa, Canada, Spain, Italy and
from her mother’s custody and claiming to sell babies for adop- Ireland.
is currently being looked after at tion has attracted the interest of Attorney-General Fernando
the Portalegre District Hospital. the authorities after a number of Pinto Monteiro was recently
Hospital director Ilídio Pinto babies had been posted on the site summoned to Parliament in the
Cardoso said the “child is fine”, as being for sale in Portugal. wake of these “baby selling”
adding that “she will be handed Earlier in the month, the cases and allegations that this
over to a children’s home once she website claimed to offer babies practice is not punishable by law.
is deemed healthy”. and children for adoption from Admitting that no specific leg-
Police have explained they are the Sintra, Lisbon, and Tagus islation existed to punish these
not yet dealing with the case as a valley regions of Portugal. No acts, he indicated that the law
crime, but rather one of “protect- prices were mentioned and the “can always be interpreted in
ing a child in danger”. only contact numbers are a such a manner that allows for a
No charges have been pressed website address and an e-mail. jail term”, adding that “a human
against the mother, though her This week, a baby was still being cannot be sold”.
status could change once all eye- being advertised as “looking for Mr Monteiro said a new law
witness reports have been taken a good home”, but no click was being drawn up to “normal-
by police. She has since denied through is allowed to obtain ad- ise” legislation and that there
trying to sell her daughter and ditional information. would be provision for jail terms
claims was only looking for food. The site offers free classifieds of five years for both sellers and
But one eyewitness said this to visitors from across the world. buyers.
week that as the mother was Last month, an advertisement, According to Unicef, around
“dirty” and “hungry”, she was accompanied by a photograph of 1.2 million children are trafficked
offered food, but declined, say- a child, announced a two-year- across the globe each year.
Psychic update
When
Represented in Portugal by:
ANGLOPRESS
Edições e
Publicidade, Lda Since the first day after Madeleine McCann was taken, The
paedophilia is
Copyright © 2005 Anglo Press Lda and The News Group of Newspapers Portugal News has been inundated with e-mails and
Postal address: Apt 13 8401-901 Lagoa phone calls from people who say they have had visions of
Courier address: Rua Município de S. Domingos • Urb. Lagoa
Sol • Lote 3 r/c • 8400-415 Lagoa where she might be.
Gen.Tel: [phone] Editorial Tel: [phone] “not that bad”
Several visions of locations One psychic revealed she has
Sales Tel: [phone] Classified Tel: [phone]
Gen.Fax: [phone] Sales Fax: [phone] have pointed to ‘Sagres’ though had a vision of Madeleine
Emails: [email protected] [email protected] the word has been spelt in a dressed as a boy pirate (with an
Web: www.the-news.net number of variations including eye-patch) and has short black
‘Sardes’, ‘Sandres’ or ‘Ragres’. hair.
Distributed nationallyby VASP Member of
Blaming an over-zealous society, the SUBSCRIBE
The Portugal News is owned and published by: Lisbon Supreme Court has opted to ease
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Printed by: MIRANDELA Gráfica, Lisbon the sentence of a man who abused a 13-
Print Run (Tiragem): 24,590 year old boy, arguing the victim was
Publisher: Paul Luckman [email protected] “sexually capable” and that “sexual Please send me 52 editions of The Portugal News. I enclose my
Editor: Brendan de Beer [email protected] cheque made payable to THE PORTUGAL NEWS for €67.50
Production Drctr:Madeline Luckman [email protected] intercourse with a 13-year old is not as bad (Portugal), €135 (Europe) or €210 (World Airmail).
Algarve News: Carrie-Marie Bratley as, for example, with a seven-year old”. Please debit my VISA credit card account with:
Events: Raquel Salbany
Preview: Nikki Hall (cid:134) €67.50 (Portugal) (cid:134) €135 (Europe) (cid:134) €210 World
Travel: Sherry Hughes
Columnists: John Measures, Madge Measures, Child abusers are being now serve a term of five years.
Patricia Westheimer handed excessively high sen- The court added: “The Nº
CPhoorrteossp:ondents:GLUwSyAnn, eP rDeyses rAssociation tences, the Lisbon Supreme sexual development of the Plus the security digits (the last 3 digits on the reverse of your card)
Accounts: Gaby Rodrigues Court has ruled. child should be taken into ac- Expiry Date
Classifieds: Beverley Gonçalves It believes that paedophiles count” when sentencing a pae-
Subscriptions: Cristina de Beer are in effect victims of the way dophile.
Sales Manager: Bella Talhadas 914 393 736 society has come to “give exces- The case dealt with evi- Name
Area Managers:
Bella Talhadas 914 393 736 (Lisbon, Estoril, Cascais, sive value” to cases of child dence relating to the period
Sintra) abuse and influencing courts to between 2000 and 2004 dur-
Address
Debbie Santos 914 863 599 (Vilamoura, Boliqueime, hand out heavier sentences”. ing which four different boys
Quarteira, Albufeira, Algoz, Arguing that the rape of a were approached by the de-
Almancil, Quinta do Lago, 13-year old is far less serious fendant, though only one of
Vale do Lobo, Loulé)
than that of a seven-year old, these was physically abused.
Marilyn Holmes 914 863 604 (Alvor, Lagos, Praia da Luz, the Supreme Court has Under Portuguese law, 14 is
Aljezur)
slashed a third off the sen- the minimum age where the al- Phone Nº
Amanda Kock 912 583 182 (Carvoeiro, Lagoa, Portimão,
Silves, S B Messines, tence given to a convicted leged consent of a minor can
Armação de Pêra) child sex offender, who will be taken into consideration. Please cut coupon and MAIL to: The Portugal News,
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news
The News • 2 Jun 2007 3
Portugal
Portugal condemned for approving corporal
punishment of handicapped children
The Council of Europe has ficient evidence existed that one
lashed out at Portugal for violat- carer at the home had frequently
ing children’s rights, after the Su- locked a seven year old in a dark
preme Court had ruled that the room. The child suffered from
corporal punishment of handi- infant psychosis and apparently
capped children at a home was “would calm down” when locked
“legal” and “acceptable”. in dark rooms.
The Lisbon Supreme Court The carer’s behaviour was not
ruling, issued last April, con- condemned.
doned the actions of a carer who The court also ruled that there
had spanked mentally handi- was no wrongdoing by the home
capped children over an extended involving the situation of an-
period of time. other handicapped child, who
The matter came to Portuguese failed to remain “calm” when
courts following a complaint subjected to the same ‘dark
lodged against the director of a room’ punishment for not eating
handicapped children’s home, all his salad.
but the Supreme Court ruled that Furthermore, the court sup-
the corporal punishment of these ported the rulings of a lower
children was within the bounds court, maintaining the sole puni-
of the law. tive measure handed down by
But the European Committee lower court to issue a suspended
of Social Rights of the Council of sentence for 18 months for hav-
Europe has officially challenged ing tied a child’s hands and feet
the Portuguese judicial system, together “to keep him still”.
and the court’s ruling, demand- The Council of Europe, in at-
ing reforms. tacking this “dangerous legal
According to the Council of precedent”, said “Portuguese
Europe, Portugal contravened legislation was not adequately
Article 17 of the European Social clear and precise” regarding cor-
Charter that consecrates chil- poral punishment.
dren’s rights to social, legal and It also called for violence to be
financial protection. “effectively eliminated”.
Last year, the Portuguese Su- The World Organisation
preme Court tacitly applauded Against Torture who charged
the actions of a woman em- Portugal of “condoning corporal
ployee of the home who had been punishment” took the case to
charged, after being accused of European authorities.
slapping the handicapped chil- The organization said after the
dren in her care, and also for lock- the carers. to eat?” asked the Supreme Court care are “negligent”, stating had ample, a rule that must be abided EU ruling: “We hope that from
ing them in dark rooms whenever “What is a good father if he is judge in his ruling. the carers not taken action, that to “vehemently, should be im- now on, Portugal will comply
they refused to eat all their food. not someone who smacks his The verdict further implied such omissions “could be consid- posed in order for children to be with the stipulations of the Euro-
The case was brought to the children for not wanting to go to that parents, guardians and even ered acts of educational negli- smacked whenever refusing the pean Social Charter, which explic-
Supreme Court after a lower school, or if he does not send them carers who don’t hand out corpo- gence”. orders of carers”. itly prohibits all forms of corpo-
court had also ruled in favour of to their rooms when they refuse ral punishment to minors in their The court suggested, as an ex- The court also found that suf- ral punishment on children”.
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news
4 The Portugal News • 2 Jun 2007
Police given thumbs-up in
Madeleine case
A survey carried out by Marktest and published this week in Diário de
Notícias and TSF radio has revealed that nine in ten of the nation’s
residents are fully supportive of the way the Portuguese police have been
conducting their investigations into the disappearance of four-year-old
Madeleine McCann.
According to the Marktest police had acted, and 5.6 per cent The survey, which was con-
survey, 91.8 per cent of the 801 did not answer or did not know. ducted by phone from May 15th
interviewees said they agreed The residents of Greater Lis- – 18th, also reveals that the higher
with the way the investigation bon were the most supportive, social classes were more critical
had been led. A mere 2.5 percent with the most critical being lo- than the lower or average social
said they were against the way the cated in southern Portugal. classes.
Southern Portugal’s only
crematorium closed
The only crematorium in Southern Portugal, in Ferreira do Alentejo, has
been closed after six years of non-stop cremations so the incinerator
could undergo a thorough inspection and maintenance. Meanwhile,
families opting for a cremation, now face exorbitant prices, as funeral
homes are now charging one euro a kilometre to take a body from the
Algarve to Lisbon and beyond.
Oporto
Corpses waiting for cremation due to the duration of the main-
Possibly the last photo taken of Madeleine McCann on the day of her abduction from Praia da Luz. Mayor
have had to be put on hold with tenance service, which com-
growing backlogs a common menced over a month ago, de-
Portugal to head up Atlantic problem, especially in the Al- spite a spokesperson of Portu- lashes out at
garve. gal’s other four crematoriums
One funeral agency in Loulé (two in Lisbon, two in Oporto)
‘cancerous’
had a body in its fridge for more claiming standard maintenance
illegal migrant patrols than 15 days, waiting for the services take little more than
maintenance service to be com- three days. legal
pleted, though the family later Local authorities have guaran-
decided to send the body to be teed the crematorium will be up
system
cremated in Lisbon. and running by June 5th.
The European Union borders defence agency Frontex announced Excluding the cremation, the The Ferreira do Alentejo cre-
Wednesday that Portugal will take control of maritime patrols operating family had to pay around €250 matorium was privately founded The Mayor of Oporto has
to have the body of a loved one after a significant donation from
in the Atlantic in the fight against the rising levels of illegal immigrants delivered at a crematorium in the local benefactor Mariano Faria told a public gathering
entering Europe. Portuguese capital. whose dying wish was to be cre- that “justice is the area
Suspicions have been raised mated in his place of birth. that functions the worst in
Portugal”.
Mayor Rui Rio, speaking at
The move has been prompted “The idea sounds very simple Network to cover “the open sea Noddy and Bob
a seminar entitled, ‘Reflec-
by the sophisticated methods and sensible but the reality is far far away from the coast,” Frontex
tions of the Judicial Activity
being used by organised people from simple. There is a huge task said in a statement
in the Oporto Municipality’
smuggling gangs who are now to accomplish to bring the na- Of the EU nations taking part
‘toynapped’ from has called for a change to the
using refitted cargo vessels to tional authorities together,” he in the operation, Portugal will
Portuguese legal system.
ship migrants from Africa and added. have the largest sea area to cover,
“The country, once and for
South America to the European In the second phase of the op- and Laitinen explained that Lis-
all, needs to look at the cancer
Union. eration, cooperation between the bon could call on the services of roundabouts that is our judicial system”, he
“This is the first time this sort member states involved will be the British and Irish navies if
told participants at the semi-
of thing will happen in the EU,” strengthened by the creation of Frontex considered it necessary.
nar.
Ikka Laitinen, director of National Coordination Centres, Portugal’s navy is expected to
He also called on lawmakers
Frontex, told reporters at the one of which is scheduled to be be fully operational under the Eu-
to “stop the growing trend of
agency’s Warsaw headquarters. opened in Lisbon, and the expan- ropean Patrols Network pro-
The European Patrol Net- sion of the European Patrols gramme by the end of this year. Several larger-than-life models of Noddy, making laws in accordance
work will be launched in two Bob the Builder, and Portuguese children’s with party laws” and to cease
naming witnesses or issuing
phases, with the first phase see- character Ruca were stolen from some of
ing the creation of the zones to be Portuguese boy (4) Lisbon’s main roundabouts where they rlietsictraali vneinngd oetrtdaesr osr b dauseed to o pnr peos--
patrolled.
had been placed as part of the build-up to sure resulting from public opin-
These will be “based on mem-
ber states patrolling activities in wins lottery the world’s first ‘Children’s Festival’, to be ion.
defined coastal areas of the At- held in Oeiras, in June. Mayor Rui Rio said the
Oporto City Hall is spending
lantic Ocean and the Mediterra-
more money than ever on legal
nean Sea,” Laitinen said.
proceedings.
In addition to taking charge of Rui Lemos, who is only four years old, was Thirty three-metre tall dolls of cases though”, said Sergio, who
“I have been a formal sus-
Atlantic patrols, Portugal will asked by his parents to select five numbers Noddy, Bob and Ruca, the stars further revealed that some of the pect and defendant (arguido)
join with Spain in coordinating and then two. Despite being numbers that of the festival, had been placed substitute dolls had already been on a number of occasions, but
activities off the south of the Ibe- around the city, which will host taken.
were chosen in almost consecutive currently, I have the honour of
rian peninsula, while Italy will the weekend-long event from Refusing to reveal their finan-
work with Slovenia in the north sequence, his parents stuck with what they June 28th to July 1st. cial worth, Sergio also said that, not being an arguido”, he said,
but added: “I do currently
Adriatic Sea, and with France in were given, and two weeks later, now have Entitled ‘My First Festival’, given the characters’ popularity
stand accused. I cannot say of
the northern Mediterranean. 15 million euros in the bank. organisers expect some 80 thou- amongst children, he only hopes what, because I am unable to
“This will avoid overlapping sand people to flock to the fes- “they are somewhere inside a
do so as I am impeded to do so
of patrols and the effective shar- The week before he won the lion euros. tival. It appears they also ex- child’s bedroom making them by our secrecy laws. Hope-
ing of operational information,” multi-million euro prize, Rui’s The Lemos family, who are pected this sort of vandalism, happy”. fully, I will be able to tell you
Laitinen pointed out. as, according to Sérgio Leitão, To be held in the 93,000 square
numbers had already given his based in Vila do Conde, say of what I am accused in the next
He stressed the importance of parents 250 euros. first on their shopping list publicity director of Elec3city metres Parque dos Poetas, the few days”.
synchronising the daily patrol- Last week, they decided to will be a new home, as they who are organisers of the event, festival will offer cameo appear- Mr Rio did admit that the
ling operations of the member double the amount of models ances from famous footballers,
keep the numbers: currently live in a home given charges laid against him were
states involved and said they 25,26,29,49,50 and the stars to them by Rui’s grandpar- were produced in case of such two giant screens, a fashion area, brought by the public prosecu-
would be executed in the most being 7 and 8, and won 15 mil- ents. pranks. and a pink catwalk for little tor’s office.
efficient way. “We didn’t expect so many fashionistas.
news
The Portugal News • 2 Jun 2007 5
Portuguese PM completes busy Moscow visit
Prime Minister José Sócrates was this than western countries. Brussels. the EU and Russia. The veto – cused Estonia of “unacceptable”
week caught up in the middle of a There are countries in the west On the Saturday before last, now supported by Lithuania – violations of the rights of Russian
that “execute people, there are European Commission Presi- follows Russia’s decision last speakers.
propaganda campaign during a two-day
torture centres in Europe, that dent Durão Barroso told Russia year, to block meat imports from The Kosovo issue also domi-
visit to Russia. have problems with the freedom in no uncertain terms, that any Poland over apparent food safety nated talks between Messrs
of the press and who have immi- problems it has with an individual issues. Barroso and Putin. EU leaders
gration laws that contradict inter- European Union state represent “We believe there is no reason have recently expressed alarm
Upon his arrival, Mr Sócrates strategic partnership between national laws”. problems with the whole bloc. for a Russian ban on Polish meat about Russian threats to veto a
was greeted by an interview he the EU and Russia is necessary. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Rus- Speaking at the EU-Russia imports,” Mr. Barroso is re- United Nations Security Coun-
had given to the Itar-Tass news Russia is essential to European sian security services cordoned summit, Mr. Barroso said the EU ported to have told President cil resolution, preparing
agency where he was incorrectly and global stability”. off the Red Square to allow the was based on principles of soli- Putin. Kosovo’s de facto independence
quoted as portraying Russia in an The Russian newspaper fur- Portuguese Prime Minister to darity. The summit, near to the The removal of a Russian from Serbia.
extremely positive light. ther quotes the Portuguese Prime complete his habitual morning city of Samara in Russia, was World War II memorial to Red On Tuesday, as Mr Sócrates
TheIzvestiadaily, quoting the Minister as saying: “Vladimir jog. marred by Moscow’s rows with Army soldiers in the Estonian was checking into the quarters
news agency, reported the Por- Putin is an intelligent leader that Surrounded by Russian and EU member states Poland and town of Tallin earlier this month, prepared for him at the Red
tuguese Prime Minister as say- will leave his mark in Russian, Portuguese security officials, Mr Estonia. sparked unrest by mainly ethnic Square, Russia tested a new in-
ing: “Russia is a base of stability European and world history Sócrates completed a 30-minute Disputes between Moscow Russians leaving one person dead tercontinental ballistic missile.
in Europe and in the world. No- thanks to his determination and run between the Kremlin and the and Brussels have also arisen and more than 160 injured. Moscow has termed the new
body can contest this. And no- courage. I cannot emphasise Red Square, where he was stay- over the status of Kosovo, energy At the summit, Mr. Putin ac- missile as being unstoppable and
one can contest that following the enough his untiring service to the ing during his visit. supplies and trade. that it could breach any anti-mis-
enlargement of the EU, it has be- great nation that is Russia. He On the final day of Prime Min- “We had an occasion to say to sile defence system.
come harder to obtain European knew how to promote stability ister Sócrates’ visit, he spent two our Russian partners that a diffi- This follows talk that the
unity in relation to Moscow”. in Russia”. hours and 40 minutes with Presi- culty for a member state is a dif- United States was to put up a
However, in the Portuguese At a press conference sitting dent Putin in a meeting staged ficulty for the whole European “shield” on the Eastern frontiers
version of the interview, Mr alongside Mr Sócrates, the Rus- behind closed doors. community,” Mr. Barroso said at of Poland and the Czech Repub-
Sócrates said: “Current EU-Rus- sian President told a Portuguese The official visit to Russia fol- a news conference at the conclu- lic.
sia relations only prove the ob- journalist, that his country’s hu- lows a tense couple of weeks in sion of the summit. Washington says the shield
vious: That an evolution in the man rights record is no worse relations between Moscow and In the meantime, Poland has would protect Europe from pos-
imposed a veto on any new stra- sible attacks from North Korea
tegic partnership accord between and Iran.
Prime Minister José Sócrates during a morning jog in Moscow’s Red Square on Tuesday. (Photo:
Lusa / Paulo Novais)
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news
6 The Portugal News • 2 Jun 2007
Dental care could be covered by NHS Two-thirds of
Portuguese favour
organ donor cards
Two in three Portuguese are in donations save lives, and if more
favour of donating their organs people discussed their views with
posthumously, a study published their families in advance, this
on Wednesday by the European would also make the decision to
Commission has revealed. donate the organ of a deceased rela-
On a European level, eight out tive much easier.”
of ten EU citizens support the use Organ donation cards, which
of organ donor cards, although indicate the cardholder’s willing-
only 12 percent actually carry one, ness to donate an organ after their
the Eurobarometer survey on or- death, are perceived very posi-
gan donation found. tively by European citizens.
The survey also reveals that 56 More than eight out of 10 (81%)
percent of Europeans are willing are in favour of the use of such
to donate one of their organs after cards. Nineteen percent oppose it.
they die, and this rises to 77 per- The survey also indicates that
cent among those who have dis- the level of education and the
cussed the issue with their family. socio-professional position have
However, only 41 percent of all a strong influence on the respond-
Europeans have discussed the ents’ view on organ donation.
question of organ donation and Those with a higher level of edu-
transplantations with their fam- cation are far more likely to be
ily. Compared to a similar survey willing to donate one of their or-
in 2002, the percentage of Euro- gans. The percentage of senior citi-
peans who would agree to donate zens willing to donate (49 percent)
an organ of a deceased loved one is below the EU average.
rose by eight percentage points to Legislation in Portugal accepts
54 percent. that all its citizens are ‘presumed
The Eurobarometer shows donors’, in other words, all are con-
wide variations in the attitudes of sidered donors and whoever does
citizens from different EU Mem- not want their organs removed af-
ber States toward organ donation. ter death needs to file to be declared
Health Minister Correia de Campos and the Mayor of Oeiras, Isaltino Morais, during the opening of a new health centre in Paço de EU Health Commissioner a “non-donor” with the National
Arcos on Tuesday. (Photo: Lusa / Inácio Rosa) Markos Kyprianou said: “Organ Registry of Non-Donors.
The Health Minister Correia de Campos this week received a proposal
that aims to include dental care in the national health system, which, if
approved, would solve one of Portugal’s greatest health quandaries.
Most dental hygiene and treat- dental care claiming it is too ex- will be offered.
ment practitioners work in the pensive. Optional extras, such as im-
private sector, and not all fami- The widening of services cov- plants or tooth whitening, will be
lies can afford to visit the dentist. ered by the national health sys- not covered.
PRESENTS
This has resulted in dental care tem is part of a plan that coordi- At present there are only two
falling down the list of family pri- nator Luís Pisco hopes will be dentists working in continental
orities, and subsequently, rife gradually incorporated over the Portugal for the National Health
oral neglect. next two years. Service, one in Bragança, the The History
Over half of the population, an Despite including dental care, other in Castelo de Paiva, both
estimated 60 per cent, refuse it has been said only primary care north of Oporto.
of the Harp
Hospital sends
woman in coma home with Harp John
Harp John will be giving a talk on the
history of the harp, illustrated with
many musical examples from around
the world. The story of the harp will
Barreiro Hospital administrative officials, who discharged a
woman in a coma from one of their beds after more than two years’ take listeners from ancient Egypt
hospitalisation, allegedly in order to ‘free up space’, have also and Mesopotamia to ancient Ireland
asked that the patient’s family pay out 200,000 euros for her and Britain, across to South
treatment. America with the Conquistadores
and on through the centuries to the
present day.
Helena Casanova has been in tion as “stable, but irreversible”, needs “to be monitored all day
a vegetative state for over two and that doctors could do nothing long. All she does is go to sleep
years, having spent the last more for her “clinical progress”. and wake up”. This fun, light hearted and relaxing
2,168 days in the Hospital do During a press conference, hos- Mr Casanova has already ap- experience is to be enjoyed over a
Barreiro. pital administrator Helena Pinto pealed to various Portuguese
However, due to lack of bed Monteiro stressed how urgently entities for help, including the three-course Indian meal at the RAJ
space for other patients, she the unit needed the particular bed, Santa Casa da Misericórdia, Restaurant, with wine and coffee.
was removed from her bed and explaining that the patient in ques- though all replies have so far
given to the family to look after. tion did not require medical treat- been negative.
The family were also charged ment. But the president of the Por- 7.30 for 8pm
€200,000 for her treatment. Regarding potential court ac- tuguese ‘Misericórdia’ Union
Not being able to afford the fee tion, she also said: “This is a situ- has pledged his help in resolv- 6th & 7th June
nor look after the patient report- ation that has been dragging on for ing the situation, and providing
edly forced the family to revert years”. a solution, as well as asking the Hotel Garbe
to legal action, something health Helena Casanova’s husband hospital to “get in touch” with
officials have considered unnec- António has said that the only rea- the union. Armação de Pêra
essary. son he kept his wife in the hospi- Now 53, Helena Casanova
The National Patient’s Un- tal was because there was no- fell into a coma after an accident €30 per person
ion has described the hospital’s where else to put her. at a municipal swimming pool
actions as ‘shameful’. “I need to work to pay my bills where, for unknown reasons, To reserve your table, call: 914 599 933
Spokespersons for the Hos- because for six years I have been she suffered cardiac arrest, 968 337 711
pital Nossa Senhora do Rosário alone with my daughter. The spending several minutes sub- or e-mail:
claim that the patient, who suf- amount the hospital wants me to merged before she wasfound [email protected].
fers from anoxic encephalopa- pay I would not earn even in 20 floating in the water by another
thy, described Helena’s condi- years”, he said, telling how his wife bather.
news
The Portugal News • 2 Jun 2007 7
Workers enjoy
‘relaxing’ strike
While tens of thousands of civil servants
laid down their tools on Wednesday,
demonstrations in district capitals failed to
attract any great numbers of protestors.
Countless workers who ad- looking to force the government
hered to unions’ calls to stay to re-think its controversial re-
away used Wednesday as a day forms.
off, with many opting to use the While the Lisbon underground
free time to deal with personal is- and ferries were non-opera-
sues. tional, all other commuter serv-
Extensive coverage of the in- ices ran to schedule.
dustrial action also meant that or- Portugal’s largest trade union,
dinary citizens had decided the CGTP, which has close to a
against visiting state institutions million members, called the
on Wednesday, despite the fact strike at the end of the last month
that most remained open to the to protest laws that will make it
public, but with reduced staff easier to sack workers and to cut
contingents. public spending.
While unions argued that gov- Mail delivery was largely non-
ernment indications that the existent while most towns and
strike had a low turnout, was the cities were without refuse re-
“usual talk”, it must be said that moval.
it fell well short of its intended The private sector was mostly Six year old Bruno Jorge waits in vain for the dressing to be changed on his broken leg at Hospital S. João in Oporto. There was a
impact, especially if they were unaffected. shortage of nursing staff due to the general strike called by the CGTP on Wednesday. (Photo: Lusa / Estela Silva)
Portugal’s trade unions to stage protest in Brussels
Two of Portugal’s largest trade General Confederation of Portu- At a press conference to mark “workers’ protection to be in- Union officials have been con- lence by delegates.
unions said last Saturday they guese Workers and the General the end of the congress, they told cluded in any new EU constitu- cerned over proposals from EU “We have to adapt, we have to
would join with their counter- Workers´ Union of Portugal, said journalists that John Monks, tion”. leaders, including newly-elected reform, but we can also adapt
parts from other European Un- it was essential that workers secretary general of the ETUC, The ETUC also issued a state- French President Nicolas keeping the value that makes
ion member states in June, to pro- across Europe had their rights had their full backing in calling for ment Saturday saying it would Sarkozy, to develop a stream- Europe such an important
test in Brussels against the Euro- respected and enshrined in any trade unions to take “the offen- strongly resist a EU constitution lined EU constitution since it may achievement,” Barroso said, only
pean Commission’s reluctance to new EU constitution. sive” after Brussels had failed to that does not include a so-called eliminate such a charter. to hear John Monks reply that he
include workers’ rights in the The protection of employees’ include “workers’ priorities” in “fundamental rights charter guar- European Commission Presi- regretted that Barroso “had not
proposed EU constitution. working conditions, negotiating the draft constitution. anteeing the right to strike and ne- dent Durão Barroso addressed the offered hope” to European work-
Speaking in Seville, Spain, rights and pay rates should be of Earlier, Monks, who was re- gotiate”, among other rights. four-day Seville congress, but ers.
where they were attending the prime concern to the European elected to his post during the con- “We will campaign against any was left somewhat out on a limb Some 81 unions from 36 Euro-
annual European Trade Union Commission when drawing up gress, called for protests in Brus- moves aimed at omitting this after his calls for unions to pean countries representing 60
Confederation (ETUC) con- any new treaty, both unions said sels during a June 21 – 22 summit charter or relegating its impor- “adapt to Europe’s social model” million workers were repre-
gress, representatives of the in a statement. of European leaders, to push for tance,” the statement said. were greeted with a deafening si- sented at the congress.
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8 news The Portugal News • 2 Jun 2007
to prove that the attacks are being instigated by
EU SNIPPETS Russian government computers - the Baltic state
has been forced to temporarily shutdown sev-
eral of its websites. Jacqueline McGlade, execu-
Bulgarians Cold Shoulder EU tive director of European Environment Agency’s
Parliament Elections data division, told the AFP news agency that
“fairly basic procedures” such as firewalls should
Bulgarian voters last week gave the cold shoul- be put in place to afford protection against the
der to the country’s first elections to the Euro- attacks. Estonian institutional websites have been
pean Parliament. Less than 30 per cent bothered under regular cyber-attacks since the end of last
to turn out in what was described in one national month, when a row broke out with Russia over
newspaper as the electors’ “total disinterest” in the removal of a memorial to Soviet Red Army
the EU. “We cannot be satisfied with such a low soldiers in the town of Tallinn in central Estonia.
turn out,” said Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev,
whose Bulgarian Socialist Party narrowly lost the New EU Space Exploration Project
vote to the new centre-right GERB. “It seems that Twenty-nine European countries, including
the political parties failed to convince the Bulgar- Portugal, unveiled a new space policy Tuesday
ians of the importance of these elections and the unifying the approaches of individual EU mem-
role played by European institutions in each mem- ber states as well as that of the European Space
ber state,” Stanishev said last Sunday. But a Agency (ESA). The policy drawn up by the Eu-
spokesman for the European Commission said the ropean Commission with the ESA sets out a ba-
turnout was “very much in line with what was sic vision and strategy for the space sector, and
expected and also very much in line with the situ- tackles issues such as security and defence, ac-
ation in 2004 when the country’s membership of cess to space and exploration. “Up until now,
the EU was met with voter apathy”. there were the space policies of the ESA mem-
MEPs Arrested in Russia During Gay bers, national policies and EU Community
policy,” explained ESA head Jean-Jacques
Rights Demonstration
Dordain. “For 40 years Europe has realised im-
Two members of the European Parliament portant projects but what’s new is that this space
(MEPs) and a Russian gay rights leader were ar- policy is going to integrate 29 European coun-
rested last Sunday in Moscow as violence broke tries, the 27 EU member states plus Norway and
out at a banned protest by gay rights activists. Switzerland,” he added.
Anti-homosexual protestors threw kicks,
Lithuania Bans EU-Backed Gay-
punches and eggs at the gay rights group chant-
ing, “Moscow is not Sodom”. MEPs from Ger- Lesbian Parade
many and Italy were reportedly among those ar- Officials in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius last
rested. Veteran British gay rights campaigner week banned an EU-backed anti-discrimination
Peter Thatchell was also arrested, along with the parade at which gay rights groups were planning
leader of GayRussia, Nikolai Alexeyev. Italian to hoist their rainbow flag, over fears that the event
MEP Marco Capatto was kicked by an anti-gay could spark unrest. The police decided to ban the
rights protester and then arrested when he de- rally after they discovered notices posted on the
manded police protection. Moscow’s mayor Internet calling for “resistance” to plans to hoist
Yury Luzhkov has called homosexuality “sa- the rainbow flag in the capital. The campaign,
tanic” and says he will never allow gay rights pa- called ‘For Diversity – Against Discrimination’,
rades in Russia’s capital. Sunday’s protest was had been organised with the cooperation of the
to commemorate the 14th anniversary of the European Commission and aimed at promoting
decriminalisation of homosexuality in Russia. tolerance towards minority groups, including
EU Targeted by Russian Cyber- gays and lesbians. One of the highlights of the
event was to have been the arrival of a 30-tonne
Attacks
so-called “anti-discrimination” truck, which is
EU member state Estonia claims to have been touring 19 EU member states. The truck is de-
targeted by a number of cyber-attacks from Rus- signed to inform citizens of their rights under EU
sia, which have caused havoc among government and national anti-discrimination legislation. Brus-
departments. Officials in the country, including sels said it is the first time in the four years the
A recent, undated file photo of an Albanian man smoking in front of an advertising hoarding of a Prime Minister Andrus Ansip, are pointing the truck has been on tour that a visit to an EU mem-
tobacco company in the centre of Tirana, Albania. From 28th May 2007 the Albanian Government finger at Russia saying they have clear evidence ber state has been cancelled by local authorities.
has banned smoking and tobacco advertising in public areas with penalties starting from 5,000
lek (42 euros). (Photo: EPA/Armando Babani)
Portugal tops EU
Directory
Enquiries in
non-smokers league
English and so
much more
The findings of a survey released last week show that Portugal has the
highest number of non-smokers per capita of population than any other
European Union member state. According to the Eurobarometer
survey, 64 per cent of Portuguese citizens have never smoked from fixed phones, call boxes,
compared to the EU average of 47 per cent. mobiles and mobiles on roaming It’s so easy
Monday to Friday 09:30 - 18:00 to find a number
Slovenia occupied second rettes they smoke each day or ment in Strasbourg.
place in the non-smoking league give up altogether, the survey “This can only strengthen
table with 59 per cent of the popu- found. Fifteen per cent of the the momentum towards making callsfrom fixed phones
lation saying they had never country’s smokers are now European public and work 60 cents per enquiry National & International
touched tobacco in their lives. thought to be regularly using such places smoke-free by 2009,” he
Malta ranked third in the table products. added. calls from mobiles Business & Private
with 57 per cent claiming to be The Eurobarometer findings During his address, the Com- 60 cents per minute
habitual non-smokers. also revealed that most Europe- missioner announced the launch
The official EU survey, which ans support non-smoking poli- of an e-mail ‘coaching session’ to
was released ahead of World No cies spreading through the EU, support people who are in the
Tobacco Day on May 31st, re- with the highest backing coming process of quitting smoking.
vealed that 89 per cent of smok- from Ireland, Sweden and Italy, The highest percentage of
ers in Portugal smoke regularly where they are already in place. would-be quitters, 46 per cent, directory
every day and that 32 per cent of An overwhelming majority of was reported in Britain. Stress is
these have tried to kick the habit EU citizens, 88 per cent, support cited as the main reason for going enquiries
in the last two months. smoke-free offices, indoor back to cigarettes, although the
Fourteen per cent of those try- workplaces and public spaces, youngest smokers are more likely in English
ing to give up sought help from up from 86 per cent last year. to be tempted back by friends or
doctors compared to 41 per cent “I am heartened that public colleagues who smoke.
in Britain. support for smoke-free work and Some 650,000 people die each
More smokers in Portugal are public places in Europe remains year across the EU because of
turning to nicotine replacement so high,” EU Health Commis- smoking, while a further 80,000
products in an attempt to either sioner Marcos Kyprianou told adults are killed by second-hand
cut back on the number of ciga- members of the European Parlia- tobacco smoke. Keep by your phone
EENNJJOOYYIINNGG AALLGGAARRVVEE
The Portugal News • 2 Jun 2007 9
Algarve loses nine ‘Blue’ beaches
Despite losing nine of its prestigious ‘Blue flag’
awards, a reward given to beaches that comply
with the highest European standards, the head
of the Algarve Tourist Board (RTA) discounted
concerns that this would affect tourism,
reportedly stating “tourists won’t stop coming
to the region because it has less awards”.
On a national scale, this year the coveted blue flag.
Portugal will receive 15 less According to Hélder Martins,
awards than in 2006, achieving head of the RTA, “If the Algarve
189 beaches of blue flag standard lost all of its Blue Flags, that would
in total. be dramatic, but it is still the coun-
Forty-six of these awards were try’s region with most awards and
given to the Algarve, making it the tourists won’t stop coming here
region with themost blue flags in just because it lost a few.”
the country. Many Western Algarve
Eight of the nine losses were beaches were unable to applying
from Vila do Bispo, which, as a for a blue flag, as accessibility re-
municipality, failed to put for- quirements were not complied
ward a single candidate to receive with. Eight of the nine blue flags lost were from Vila do Bispo. (Photo: Press Association)
CERÂMICA
Love is in the air at the Sheraton
Featuring design award ceramics
Antique 15th - 17th century reproductions
This summer promises exciting new horizons for the Sheraton Pine Cliffs, which last Saturday officially Decorative Designs, Table Covers & Accessories
announced their partnership with the Portuguese ‘amo.te’ group (literally translated as the ‘I Love You’ in a rainbow of colours. CERÂMICA offers a large selection
from classic to Modern for your
group). The fruit of this new relationship will see the opening of what looks set to become two of the
home, or elegant stylish gift that
Algarve’s trendiest hang-outs; the amo.te Pine Cliffs Sushi bar, and ‘Tabu’ by amo.te. will not be found elsewhere.
Open Mon - Sat 10am to 10pm
Tel: [phone]
Owned by ex-TV pre- be home to the latest in an ever- where samples of the delicious in July. E-mail: [email protected]
senter Pedro Miguel Ramos, growing line of the fashionable sushi were also given out. Flavio Bucciarelli, General Rua do Paço 31, Alvor
Located on a side street near the Fruit market.
the amo.te group already venues and the first amo.te According to Pedro Miguel Manager of the Sheraton Pine
comprises four successful name in the Algarve. Ramos, amo.te Pine Cliffs will Cliffs, is known for his for-
establishments throughout Favoured by Portugal’s Jet offer a seductive ambience in ward thinking, if somewhat,
continental Portugal, ‘amo.te Set and a haunt for the beauti- which to relax, complemented daring approach to manage-
Meco’, ‘amo.te Chiado’, ful, amo.te venues are places to by fantastic sushi, a chill-out ment. Not one to shy away
‘amo.te Porto’, and ‘amo.te see and be seen, following a area, and a service that is second from change or a challenge, in-
Tejo’. concept of glamour and life- to none, enhancing the Shera- troducing such a venue to
Successful marketing has style. ton’s renowned reputation for complement the Sheraton’s Natural at its Best
seen the amo.te trademark be- They host regular events such style and exclusivity. existing range of eclectic
come something of a cult, with as the Sunset Glamour Ses- It will be open to the general eateries and bars had long been
its own line of clothing, a sions, the most recent of which public, all year round, from one of his ambitions. The Insect repellant and anti-wrinkle cream using
monthly magazine and a took place at the Sheraton last 10h00 – 02h00. amo.te concept fits this niche,
the finest essential oils and Aloe Vera.
trendy crockery line. Now weekend following the joint The anticipated official open- and so amo.te Pine Cliffs Su-
the Sheraton Pine Cliffs is to venture’s official launch and ing of the venue will take place shi Bar was conceived. TTTTTeeeeelllll::::: 999991111166666 000004444444444 777777777799999 ooooorrrrr
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Sheraton resort by making the
most of an unused open-air area
within the resort. With con-
temporary décor, lounge beds
and a view over the trademark Main Rd towards airport, Almancil
cliffs, it will represent every-
289 393 625 / 914 672 453
thing the word taboo indicates.
Slightly hidden, a naughty in- Sunday Lunch 12.30 - 3.30 pm and from 6.00 pm
dulgence, it will be a secluded Friday Fish & chips from 5.00 pm
area for adults in which they English Breakfast and Homemade Food and Desserts
can relax to soothing sounds, Beautiful large garden to rear
enjoy refreshments, and chill www.bentleysalgarve.com
out. Tues - Thur 10am - 4pm • Friday & Sun 10am - late
Carlos Leal of United In- Closed Sat & Mon
vestments Portugal (UIP), an
IFA Hotels & Resorts consor-
tium member and responsible
Restaurante
for developing the 215-room
luxury Sheraton Algarve Ho- Humphrey’s
tel and Pine Cliffs Vacation
Club, confirmed his enthusi-
asm for the new ventures. To- Alvor
gether, the total investment for Try our specialities:
amo.te Pine Cliffs and Tabu by Tender Humphrey’s Fillet Steak
amo.te surpasses Braised Lamb Shank
€500,000.00, but it is an in-
Pan Fried Fillets of Sea Bass
vestment that UIP is happy to
From left to right: Carlos Leal, Pedro Ramos, and Flávio Bucciarelli. make. Vegetarian Menu
Children’s Menu
Tues - Sun 6pm - till late
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Lowest
credit cards
will apply
to Portugal
The European Commission
announced last week that credit card
users in Portugal will soon be able to
slash the amount of interest they are
presently paying.
In a move that will harmonise Minister Brigitte Zypries, who
consumer credit card rules across chaired the meeting of ministers
the 27-nation bloc, the Commis- in charge of competitiveness and
sion said in a statement that us- whose country holds the EU’s
ers in Portugal would no longer six-month rotating presidency,
be faced with having to pay be- told the AFP news agency. Millennium bcp staged one of its most notable annual general meetings on Monday, when the leadership of Portugal’s largest private
tween 12 and 17 per cent interest “For example, in the future it bank was challenged by founder Jardim Gonçalves. He later withdrew his challenge as Paulo Teixeira Pinto held on to his position as
on their credit facilities – the high- will be possible to make genuine chairman of the bank. Paulo Teixeira Pinto is seen on the right on his arrival at the meeting. (Photo: Lusa / Estela Silves)
est rates in the European Union. comparisons among credit offers
The Directive, agreed by all throughout Europe. Credit pro-
European Union member states, viders will be subject to uniform nearby banks, or at least in their
aims to sweep away the patch- transparency rules, and the an- own country,” Zypries said.
work of existing national regula- nual percentage rate of charge for “However, this Directive will
tions on consumer credit and al- credit will be calculated in accord- make it easier for the growing pro-
low consumers to shop around ance with uniform standards,” portion of mobile citizens and
for the best deals possible and she added. users of Internet banking services
benefit from the same informa- Consumer credit card rates to identify opportunities beyond
tion and rights regardless of currently vary widely across the the borders of their national
where they live in the EU. EU with the highest levels to be credit markets,” she added.
The reform, which has been in found in Portugal and as low as In addition to making the low-
the pipeline for five years and six per cent on offer in Finland. est credit card rates available to
still needs final approval from the Despite such variations, few all EU citizens, the Directive will
European Parliament, is sup- Portuguese try to take advantage also offer the right for people to
posed to boost competition of cheaper rates in other member withdraw from credit agreements
among consumer credit provid- states, with less than half of one within 14 days without fear of
ers while improving consumer per cent of all consumer credit in paying penalties and also limit
protection. the country being made across the penalty paid by consumers
“This agreement delivers clear EU borders. in the event that they want to re-
practical advantages to Europe’s “Of course, most consumers pay their credit earlier than ini-
consumers,” German Justice will enter credit agreements with tially agreed.
Tax evasion “no longer
a national sport”
The effective work done in recent years by the taxman and his
growing contingent of inspectors has changed the mentality of
Portuguese when it comes to paying taxes.
In comments to the press this The site lists taxpayers who its debtors on the Internet has
week, the state secretary for owe €25,000 or more, and latest had such positive effects in
tax affairs admitted that while reports by the Treasury said it recovering outstanding pay-
tax evasion was once consid- had grown by 31 percent in the ments, that it is preparing to
ered a “national sport”, the space of only two weeks. expand its list quite consider-
taxman has enforced a change The addition of 768 new tax- ably in 2007.
in attitude among taxpayers. payers with debts to the state is The Treasury says the move
“People’s opinions are apparently due to the greater ef- to expand on its listing is sup-
changing, and no longer do forts from tax inspectors to re- ported by the fact several
people boast of having evaded cover outstanding cash. thousand taxpayers have
taxes”, said João Amaral In relation to last December the come forward in recent months
Tomás. list naming and shaming tax debt- with payments after being
Greater cooperation with ors has expanded by 124 percent notified that they would be
police forces were also high- to a new total of just over two named on its website (www.e-
lighted by the state secretary, thousand, while the number of financas.gov.pt) adding that it
who praised the efforts of the companies (owing 50,000 euros believes it has recovered close
Polícia Judiciária in collecting or more) has risen by 136 percent to 50 million euros from tax-
involuntary payments. in relation to last available figures payers who opted to pay after
Mr Tomás also pointed to published shortly before Christ- being publicly ostracised by
the list published on the mas. the state.
Internet naming and shaming The Finance Ministry had In total, the Treasury says it
tax debtors being decisive in said at the end of 2006 that its is still owed 17 billion euros in
changing people’s mentalities. policy of naming and shaming outstanding taxes.