Expats in Portugal celebrate the end of the state of emergency

Expats in Portugal are relieved and happy about the government’s ending of the state of emergency.

Midnight on Saturday will be the time for expats in Portugal to celebrate the ending of the popular country’s state of emergency. An announcement by the republic’s president had been eagerly awaited by nationals and expats alike, as the ending of the emergency decree signified the start of small steps to reopen the country and restore its economy.

The head of state told reporters he hoped it wouldn’t be necessary to resort to the state of emergency again, but this would be considered should numbers of infections with the coronavirus rise again. Portugal’s second and third phases will include combating the spread of the virus whilst remaining in control of the economic situation and working to deal with the financial affects of the lockdown. He reminded the Portuguese people that permanent control of the virus and its effects is the only way to prevent its re-emergence in the population, adding that containment is essential at this stage.

Over the last few years, Portugal’s population as an expat retirement destination has grown, with even British expats formerly living in Spain deciding to move to the Algarve for a more peaceful and safer lifestyle. The weather is another attraction, as it’s warm or hot most of the year and the country doesn’t seem to attract the recent massive storms seen in southern Spain with their devastating effects on homes and lifestyles. The cost of living is acceptable for those on a pension, and there’s plenty to see and do.