Passos Coelho wins re-election in Portugal, says ready to "compromise"
- 9 years ago
It is a win, but not with an overall majority for the Portuguese centre-right, which looks set to win about 38.5% of the vote to the Socialists 32% in the general election.
Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho becomes the first European leader to win re-election after imposing harsh austerity at the EU’s behest on a member state’s economy.
Another coalition appears inevitable, and the drop in support means Passos Coelho may have to soften some policies.
“This is the first time that a coalition government completed their mandate. It was the first time,” he claimed.
Antonio Costa was cheered by his supporters, but was unable to turn years of austerity into a Syriza-style revolt at the polls. The Socialists beat off the other left-wing parties, who scooped around 18% together.
“The coalition must understand that Portugal is experiencing a new political moment, which means they cannot keep governing as if nothing had happened,” said Costa.
Two other leftwing parties scored 18% be
Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho becomes the first European leader to win re-election after imposing harsh austerity at the EU’s behest on a member state’s economy.
Another coalition appears inevitable, and the drop in support means Passos Coelho may have to soften some policies.
“This is the first time that a coalition government completed their mandate. It was the first time,” he claimed.
Antonio Costa was cheered by his supporters, but was unable to turn years of austerity into a Syriza-style revolt at the polls. The Socialists beat off the other left-wing parties, who scooped around 18% together.
“The coalition must understand that Portugal is experiencing a new political moment, which means they cannot keep governing as if nothing had happened,” said Costa.
Two other leftwing parties scored 18% be