We
have now a new government in Portugal. It is a Socialist-based team but with
the support of two left-wing parties, as they like to call themselves: the
Leftist Block, some kind of SYRIZA-like group, and Communist Party, a very
Conservative assembly of old and new nostalgic fellows who still believe that
the fall of Soviet Union was a major disaster.
However,
Antonio Costa, the new Prime-minister has been wise enough to put together a
Cabinet that can be perceived as relatively moderate. And in his inaugural
speech, Costa made the right use of the word “moderation”.
It
is true that not everyone within the Socialist Party is for moderation. But if
the leader pulls in the right direction, the rest might follow. They will keep
in mind that in our type of democracy one´s political survival is very much
related to being able to say yes to the Party leader.
The
key question is about Parliamentary support. How long will Costa be able to
keep the votes of its allies before a major political row takes place? There
will be a fracture, I have no doubt about it. The point is that we don´t know
how soon it will happen.
In
the meantime, one should wish the new ministers good sailing, favourable winds.
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