Two fast-spreading forest fires near Coimbra spark massive firefighting response as politicians spar over reform rhetoric

Around 17:00, two separate forest fires erupted within a 2-kilometre radius in the Coimbra area, one in Sabuga, Vila Nova de Poiares, and the other in Murganheira, Arganil. More than 500 firefighters and a fleet of 12 aircraft were mobilised to contain the rapidly spreading flames in the mountainous terrain, with the civil protection authority warning that the village of Sabuga faces imminent danger. During the same broadcast, former finance minister and ex-governor of the Bank of Portugal Mário Centeno denounced the habitual abuse of the term “reform” by politicians, likening it to a dangerous electric saw.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro reiterated his commitment to fiscal balance and promised not to re-introduce austerity measures, despite criticism from Pedro Passos Coelho for greater boldness. Liberal party president Mariana Leitão defended her party’s plan to reduce fuel prices by 30 cents per litre and warned that cuts to EU funds could harm the national economy. The program also previewed the upcoming Porto-Benfica classic, with coaches Marco Silva and Francesco Farioli discussing tactics ahead of the match at Estádio do Dragão.