Sol
«Swaps lead to more victims», reveals Sol, after it emerged earlier this week that high-risk hedge contracts agreed by public companies, including Porto Metro, the Lisbon Metro, Refer and the Transtejo ferry company, led to potential losses of up to €3bn. The weekly newspaper reports that the state and banks are failing to reach an agreement over this issue and that the dispute might be taken to the UK.
Público
«President’s appeal for consensus sparks rupture with right-wing parties», reveals Público, as President Cavaco Silva gave a speech to mark the 39th anniversary of the 1974 Carnations Revolution and said this was no time for a “major political crisis.” The daily newspaper reports that his speech was criticised by left-wing parties, PS, PCP and the Left Bloc for supporting the government.
Correio da Manhã
«Cavaco provides government with strong support», reports Correio da Manhã, as President Cavaco Silva, talking at the 25 April revolution ceremony yesterday, rejected the call for early elections and sparked divisions among political parties.
Diário de Notícias
«Seguro accuses Cavaco of violating political neutrality», writes Diário de Notícias, as President Cavaco Silva on Thursday rejected suggestions that Portugal had to return to the polls earlier, causing outrage among the country’s main opposition – the Socialist party. In an exclusive interview with the national daily, Socialist leader António José Seguro blamed the President for aggravating “existing divisions” and for “compromising the country’s neutral positions.”
Jornal de Notícias
«President “clings” to government», reports Jornal de Notícias, as President Cavaco Silva yesterday received heavy criticism by all the opposition after he called for consensus and warned the country about post-troika demands.
i
«Socialist party irritated with Cavaco’s speech», reveals i, as the Portuguese president attacked the country’s political agents for failing to look at the medium-term future, while highlighting the importance of political consensus surrounding the path he deems necessary for economic recovery.
Diário Económico
«Cavaco dramatises crisis to force consensus», writes Diário Económico, as President Cavaco Silva yesterday said it was vital to reach a broad based political consensus and that conflict would “seriously impair” the national interest.
Jornal de Negócios
«This country is a decaying corpse», reports Jornal de Negócios, quoting Fernando Rosas, a Portuguese historian and politician, who says the solution to the country’s crisis is a coalition of left-wing parties.
A Bola
«Hope at Luz», writes A Bola, after Benfica lost 0-1 in the first leg of their Europa league semi-final against Fenerbahce on Thursday.
Record
«We’ll be waiting for you in hell», reveals Record, as Benfica gets ready to play the second leg next week at Estádio da Luz, after they lost 0-1 Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Thursday.
O Jogo
«”Iron” did everything in its hands», writes O Jogo, referring to Benfica after its 0-1 defeat against Ferbahce on Thursday.