Lisbon had a busy week of public pressure, with thousands marching in Intendente over living costs and healthcare technicians walking out on Friday. Meanwhile, marathon closures hit the roads over the weekend, and bigger changes were announced, including a 14-month Santa Apolónia metro closure and the start of high-speed rail works.
The Week's Biggest Stories
Santa Apolónia Metro Station to close for 14 months from November
The station will shut in November 2026 while crews build a drainage tunnel. Replacement bus services are planned to carry passengers during the works. Anyone commuting through the riverside station or using the train terminal nearby will need a different route for over a year.
Infarmed bans export of 52 medicines, including antidepressants and antibiotics
The health regulator has barred exports of dozens of drugs to protect domestic supply. The step follows shortages linked to contamination at a manufacturer in Greece. Residents who rely on these prescriptions may want to follow updates from official health sources.
Thousands rally in Intendente over housing and the cost of living
A crowd filled Largo do Intendente on Saturday for a march organised by the platform 'Não dá mais para viver assim'. Speakers focused on rents, house prices and the squeeze on young people in the city. The turnout shows how strongly affordability is weighing on Lisbon.
Construction of Porto to Lisbon high-speed rail line begins
Work starts this Monday on the long-awaited high-speed link between the two cities. The first stretch will run from Campanhã in Porto to Oiã, and a public session marks the launch. It is one of the country's largest infrastructure projects.
Marathon weekend closes roads across Lisbon, Oeiras and Cascais
The EDP Lisbon Marathon and the Hyundai Half Marathon led to road closures on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October. Streets in all three municipalities along the routes were affected. Traffic and bus routes in those areas were disrupted for much of both days.
Healthcare technicians strike in Lisbon during national 24-hour stoppage
Hundreds of technicians walked out on Friday 9 October, calling for better pay and equal treatment. Their action coincided with a nationwide one-day strike. They also raised complaints about salary gaps and slow career progression.
Barack Obama headlines Game Changers Forum in Lisbon on 10 October
The former US president was scheduled as keynote speaker at the forum on Saturday. His topics were leadership and resilience. The appearance put a major international name on the city's events calendar.
Cultura no Chiado fills the neighbourhood with events from 12 to 18 October
A week of cultural programming begins today in one of Lisbon's best-known historic districts. It includes guided historical visits and workshops. Residents can drop in on activities close to home throughout the week.
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What's On in Lisbon This Week
21:00 · Carmo Rooftop, Terraços do Carmo, Largo do Carmo (Chiado) · €14.50
21:00 · Teatro Maria Matos, Lisboa · Tickets required
Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa
Palácio dos Marqueses de Pombal
16:00 - 21:00 · Cafezal, Rua da Prata, 195, Chiado
These are 5 picks from the 40+ events we are tracking in Lisbon this week, and new ones are added every day. Pro members get the full calendar in our app; the free daily email flags the highlights.
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