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Simeon Mitropolitski is a Canadian analyst, of Bulgarian origin, and a former syndicated columnist with the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). He is the author of several hundred articles dealing with hot political and economic topics, both national and international.
He was part of the first group of Bulgarian intellectuals and students that began the opposition movement that finally put an end to the communist regime in this country in 1989, and in 1996-1997 participated in international observation teams during the elections in several Balkan countries - Romania, Albania and Bulgaria.
In 2002 Simeon and his family moved from Bulgaria to Canada where they live now in Montreal, province of Quebec. Simeon is a Master of Political Science from McGill University and a B.A. of Political Science and History.
Global Real Estate Project
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Portugal: Tourists' lazy paradiseThere are countries in Europe made for new settlers with highly developed adventurous spirit. The European Southeast as well as some former Soviet republics suits perfectly those who hate the boring life. On the other pole there are some countries where the most difficult task is to get lost or to mention just one thing per day that goes beyond the normal. Many people in their golden age adore such a lazy and somewhat boring way of life but they have to pay a high price for this. There is a third group of countries on the Old continent, which offers the best from both worlds: sufficiently lazy life with a little scent of adventure and all this for a very reasonable price. One of these countries is Portugal. If you are trying to search for hot political news about this country you are probably wasting your time. Besides the small pick pocketing nothing really bothers the smooth life of the people there. Recently the country was declared the laziest among all the EU states. No physical exercises, TV soap operas digested with a cup of red wine and unhealthy food, this is the ordinary life of some 88% of the adult population, according to some recent statistics. Especially in the rural areas the foreign settlers will find the lost paradise, quiet life going hand-in-hand with reasonable prices. Talking about prices, Portugal isn't the less expensive place on earth. The old rural houses are offered for $50,000-100,000; the new or renovated ones vary between $150,000 and $250,000. The same quality housing will cost you twice that price or even more if you look into Northwest Europe. So the prices are good enough but don't expect gifts. When buying a property in Portugal you should always add 12% to the asked price covering the notary fees, the purchase tax, the registration, and the other legal charges. When you have your new property a budget for two for a moderate life can easily be managed within $1,000 per month. So far the country seems almost as paradise so we have to put a little salt to make this dish look more natural. As we already mentioned, the petty crime against the foreigners in on the rise, except in the Azores Islands. The most dangerous situation is in the capital Lisbon due mainly to the growing number of East European illegal migrants. The cure for this infection is to settle in the province far from the bigger towns where these criminal groups are based. Another hint for the foreigners, wishing to relocate to Portugal. It's good to be aware of all the consequences that follow by obtaining one legal status or another. For example, obtaining a permanent resident status may or may not lead to additional taxes. If you plan to become a citizen this could make you subject to certain Portuguese laws such as mandatory voting and military service. Before making these important steps always ask for advice from qualified local experts.
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See also the directory of companies providing real estate services in, and general real estate information of Portugal.
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