http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4281013.stm
Portugal chooses new government Portuguese Socialist Party leader Jose Socrates salutes supporters Socialist leader Socrates: Urging reforms, but not a radical Portuguese are voting in early general elections, with opinion polls showing the opposition Socialist Party poised to regain power. The party leader and ex-environment minister Jose Socrates says he wants to push through reforms to reinvigorate the ailing economy. Unemployment stands at 7% and Portugal is seeing EU subsidies and foreign investment diverted to eastern Europe. Polls are open until 1900 GMT on the mainland and 2000 GMT in the Azores. The BBC's Alison Roberts in Lisbon says turnout is expected to be higher than in the last election in 2002, when it reached 62%. Economic woes On the eve of the vote President Jorge Sampaio spoke of a "crisis" facing the country. Portuguese Prime Minister Santana Lopes PM Pedro Santana Lopes was dismissed by the president Mr Sampaio, a Socialist, said he had lost confidence in the centre-right government of Prime Minister Pedro Santana Lopes. Pre-election surveys suggest the Socialists might obtain their first-ever absolute majority. The election will install Portugal's fourth government in three years. Mood of apathy In his address to the nation, President Sampaio recalled the grave concerns that prompted him to dissolve parliament in December, a year and a half early. He said the need for structural reforms to get the economy back on track meant a fresh mandate was required. Mr Sampaio dissolved parliament after Mr Santana Lopes had been in office for little more than four months. He had taken over when his predecessor, Jose Manuel Barroso, left to head the European Commission. Despite opinion polls indicating a Socialist return to power, there is no wave of great enthusiasm about either their programme - which analysts say lacks detail - or their leader, Mr Socrates. Many long-time Socialist voters say he lacks radicalism, and the small Left Block may pick up a fair number of votes from disenchanted Socialists as a result, our correspondent says. SEE ALSO Portugal faces general election 10 Dec 04 | Europe Q&A: Portugal's election 18 Feb 05 | Europe Portugal names new prime minister 12 Jul 04 | Europe Barroso resigns to take EU post 05 Jul 04 | Europe Country profile: Portugal 04 Dec 04 | Country profiles Timeline: Portugal 13 Jul 04 | Country profiles ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Frederick Noronha 784 Near Convent, Sonarbhat SALIGAO GOA India Freelance Journalist TEL: +91-832-2409490 MOBILE: 9822122436 http://fn.swiki.net http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks fred at bytesforall.org http://www.bytesforall.org
