Portugal: Socialists win Socrates, going for second term
According to these partial results, abstention exceeds 40%, an absolute record in legislative elections in Portugal since the return to democracy in 1974.
Partial results confirmed exit poll surveys , handing victory to the Socialists, but not get the absolute majority won in elections in February 2005.
Socialists would get between 99 and 106 seats out of a total of 230 in parliament while the opposition Social Democratic Party (PSD, center right) to win between 69 and 77 deputies, according to projections from public television RTP and SIC private.
The PS obtained clear and convincing victory in difficult conditions, welcomed the Socialist Minister of Labor Jose Vieira da Silva, in a first official reaction of the socialist camp.
In February 2005, the PS was elected with a large absolute majority of 121 seats, but after four years in office was largely defeated in June's European past.
On Sunday, the illiberal left confirmed the strong progress made in the European and managed between 31 and 39 seats, split between communists and greens on one side (13 to 16 seats) and the far-left Left Block (18 to 23 seats).
The poor outcome of the PSD of Manuela Ferreira Leite, one of the lowest in the history of the party, benefiting the populist Right and Social Democratic Center (CDS-PP), which can get between 15 and 21 seats.
Since its defeat in Europe, where the Socialist Party won only 26.7% of the vote, Jose Socrates change hisaddress to the left to win voters disappointed.
accused of arrogance and authoritarianism, tried to moderate his image, admitting mistakes in the management of some issues, like the much-criticized education reform, as opposed to most teachers.
This champion of socialism renewed and pragmatic defended his policy of structural reforms and budgetary rigor, saying that made it possible to modernize the country and better withstand the crisis.
Criticized for its social, Socrates promised to make employment a priority, as Portugal just passed the limit of the 500,000 unemployed.
The choice is between the PS and the right, between me and Manuela Ferreira Leite, reiterated in the demonstrations.
Communists and Greens rule out participating in a government led by Jose Socrates, the symbol for them of liberal drift of the Socialist Party.
Portugal met for several minority governments. One led by the Socialist Antonio Guterres from 1995 to 1999, arrived at the term.
Under the Constitution, the center-right President Anibal Cavaco Silva, near Ferreira Leite , appoint the future prime minister taking into account the election results and after consultation with the various parties represented in parliament.