https://correctiv.org/aktuelles/2026/04/21/die-haelfte-der-europaeischen-gemeinden-hat-weniger-einwohner-als-vor-60-jahren/

Things that were too good to be missed this week...

On this day, May 8th, in 1782, one of the most influential (and controversial) figures in Portuguese history passed away. He was the man who essentially rebuilt Lisbon from the ashes of the 1755 earthquake. Often celebrated as the visionary who saved Lisbon, his legacy is deeply polarized. To many, he was a brilliant moderniser; to others, he was a ruthless dictator who used the 1755 earthquake to seize absolute power. Here is why he remains one of the most controversial figures in European history: 1. The "Enlightened Despotism" He was a man of the Enlightenment, but he didn't believe in democracy. He believed in Absolute Monarchy. He used his power to: - Crush the Nobility: He saw the old aristocrats as lazy and corrupt. His most infamous act was the Távora Affair (1758), where members of a high-ranking noble family were publicly executed on horrific charges of attempted regicide. Many historians believe Pombal used the "assassination attempt" on the King as a convenient excuse to wipe out his political rivals. - Abolish Slavery (in mainland Portugal): In 1761, he abolished slavery in Continental Portugal to encourage the flow of enslaved people to Brazil, where they were "needed" for the economy. This was a pragmatic economic move rather than a purely humanitarian one. 2. The War with the Jesuits He viewed the Catholic Church - and specifically the Jesuits - as a "state within a state." - In 1759, he expelled the Jesuits from Portugal and its colonies. - He seized their assets and secularized education. While this modernized the Portuguese school system, it was done through mass arrests, deportations, and the suppression of religious influence that had defined Portuguese life for centuries. 3. Economic Monopolies He created the General Company of Viticulture of the Upper Douro, which effectively created the first demarcated wine region in the world (Port wine). - The Pro: It protected the quality and price of Portuguese wine against British merchants. - The Con: It ruined many small local farmers who couldn't meet the company's strict, often biased, regulations. This led to the Companhias Riot in Porto, which he suppressed with extreme violence and public hangings.

On this day in Portuguese history, May 7th, the lower deck of the 25 de Abril Bridge in Lisbon was officially inaugurated for rail traffic. Before this, the bridge only carried cars. Adding the train line (Fertagus) revolutionised the commute between the south bank (Margem Sul) and Lisbon, drastically reducing traffic and travel time. So the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge in Lisbon wasn't always for trains, but in what year - on this very day - did the first train finally cross the bridge’s lower deck to connect Lisbon and Setúbal?

Today is national Azulejo Day, celebrated annually on May 6th, dedicated to honouring the country's iconic tin-glazed ceramic tiles, or azulejos - officially recognised to promote the preservation of this unique cultural heritage, the day highlights five centuries of artistic tradition, covering churches, palaces, and city streets. Key Details About Portuguese Azulejos: - Significance: Introduced in the early 16th century, azulejos are a defining element of Portuguese architecture. - Blue and White: While colored tiles exist, the famous blue and white style was heavily influenced by Chinese porcelain and Dutch exports in the 17th century. - Where to See Them: Highlights include the National Tile Museum in Lisbon (housed in a former convent), Porto's São Bento Railway Station, and the Chapel of Souls. - Celebration: The day encourages visiting, appreciating, and protecting these artistic treasures from theft and neglect - recent theft concerns But what is the origin of the word 'azulejo'?