Dead teacher summoned to grade exams and "birds of a feather"

The Portuguese government has officially confirmed that there will be no additional reduction in the IRS (Imposto sobre Renda e Salários) for the current year, according to reports from *Público*. This decision follows a period during which taxpayers had grown accustomed to receiving significant tax relief, particularly in the form of reduced withholding rates near the end of each year. In recent years, these reductions were implemented in 2024 and 2025, offering temporary relief to individuals and families. However, the government now states with certainty that such measures will not be repeated in 2026. This announcement aligns with broader fiscal policies aimed at maintaining budgetary discipline and ensuring compliance with international financial obligations, including those tied to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

According to *Público*, the confirmation was made following discussions with the IMF, which has been monitoring Portugal’s economic performance and fiscal commitments. The absence of further tax cuts signals a shift in policy, potentially reflecting either a more conservative approach to public finances or a response to evolving economic conditions. While the government has not explicitly detailed the reasons behind this decision, it underscores a continued focus on balancing public spending with revenue generation. This move could have implications for households and businesses that previously relied on these temporary tax breaks to manage their cash flow, especially in light of rising living costs and inflationary pressures.

In addition to the IRS-related developments, other news outlets highlight a range of issues affecting daily life in Portugal. *Diário de Notícias* reports on concerns regarding railway safety after the removal of level crossings. Despite efforts to eliminate these hazardous points along rail lines—18 were removed in 2025—the number of incidents involving trains and vehicles has increased. According to the newspaper, 24 accidents occurred last year, resulting in nine fatalities, a rise compared to the previous year. These figures raise questions about whether the removal of level crossings has effectively improved road and rail safety or if alternative measures are needed to prevent collisions.

Another notable story involves the chaotic process of correcting national exams in secondary education. *Correio da Manhã* highlights cases where deceased teachers were mistakenly assigned to evaluate exams, underscoring systemic issues within the grading system. One instance involved a professor who had already passed away being called upon to assess tests. Other examples include a teacher designated to correct Portuguese exams instead receiving Economics A papers, while another geology instructor was tasked with evaluating French exams. Such errors suggest a lack of coordination and oversight in the administration of high-stakes assessments, raising concerns about the reliability of exam results and the credibility of the educational system.

Meanwhile, *Diário de Notícias* notes that the government has invested at least €18 million over three years in modernizing the SIRESP (National System for Risk Prevention and Protection), a program designed to enhance disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities. This investment reflects an ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure resilience against natural disasters, though the effectiveness of these upgrades remains to be seen.

In the realm of real estate and taxation, *O Negócios* reports that over 100,000 taxpayers are currently paying the additional IMI (Municipal Property Tax) surcharge, indicating strong activity in the housing market. This trend suggests increasing property investments by both private individuals and corporations, contributing to the overall dynamism of the sector. The government’s handling of this growing demand for residential and commercial properties will likely remain a point of discussion in coming months.

As Portugal continues to navigate complex domestic and international challenges, the interplay between fiscal policy, infrastructure development, and public services will shape the nation’s trajectory in the years ahead.