Portugal's
president asked Socialist leader Antonio Costa on Monday to start
work to form a government, but his call for the Socialists' far left
partners to respect budget commitments to the EU prompted a swift
rebuke from the Communists.
President
Anibal Cavaco Silva said in a statement he had asked Costa for
clarification on how a minority Socialist government would pass
budgets, especially next year's, and about commitments to try to keep
the budget deficit within European Union rules.
Cavaco
Silva's move came amid deep political uncertainty following an
inconclusive Oct. 4 election, which some analysts fear could
undermine Portugal's economic recovery after the country exited a
bailout in 2014. The austerity-minded centre-right won most votes,
but lost their parliamentary majority.
The
Communists, whose support Costa needs to ensure a majority in
parliament, reacted angrily to the president's statement, potentially
threatening the formation of a Socialist government. Costa also needs
the backing of the Left Bloc in parliament to secure a majority.
The far left
have so far not committed on paper to Socialist promises of sticking
to EU budget goals.
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