Público
«CDS getting closer to UGT and greets end to new tax on pensions», reveals Público, as coalition junior partner CDS-PP seems to be converging with trade union confederation UGT, on the issue of rejecting the new tax on pensions proposed by the prime minister. According to the paper, senior coalition partner PSD is saying they are doing “almost everything” the Socialist Party demands. The daily newspaper also reports that Portugal’s successful debt issue on Tuesday will help finance the state in 2014.
Correio da Manhã
«Banking sector loses €279m», reports Correio da Manhã, as austerity has not only translated into bankruptcy and unemployment but has also led to huge losses for the banking sector, with five of the country’s biggest banks losing €279m in the first three months of the year.
Diário de Notícias
«Bond auction was great success», writes Diário de Notícias, quoting Minister of Finance Vítor Gaspar after Portugal managed to issue its first 10-year debt since 2011 and raise €3bn. But the daily newspaper also reports that rating agencies say the recession could complicate things.
Jornal de Notícias
«Almost half of Portuguese depend on Social Security», reports Jornal de Notícias, as around 4.8 million Portuguese citizens have to depend on welfare and benefits to survive, a figure higher than the employed population. According to the daily, these citizens are mostly pensioners as well as the unemployed.
i
«Minister of finance is “transfigured” in Brussels and even talks of social rights», reveals i, as despite being pleased with the result of Tuesday’s debt issue, Vítor Gaspar admitted that unemployment is a problem without solution unless Portugal starts an active job-creation programme.
Diário Económico
«Government has up to €500m for terminations in public service», writes Diário Económico, as the minister of finance will be counting on extraordinary expenditure money next year to finance mutually agreed contract terminations.
Jornal de Negócios
«Portugal pays a high price for more time without more money», reports Jornal de Negócios, as the state paid an interest rate of 5.6% to finance itself with €3bn for 10 years. The financial daily reports that rating agencies want to see further cuts in expenditure, while Minister of Finance Vítor Gaspar says the EU must take the national political scene into account.
A Bola
«Jesus gave sermon», writes A Bola, after Premier League leaders Benfica were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Estoril that could risk the championship. The daily sports paper reports that manager Jorge Jesus gave his players a earful after the match but also a message of confidence.
Record
«You lot are going to be champions», reveals Record, quoting Real Madrid left-back Fábio Coentrão in a message to Benfica before its “clássico” against FC Porto next weekend.
O Jogo
«Enzo determined to play», writes O Jogo, as Benfica’s midfielder Enzo Pérez is insisting on playing the final against FC Porto, despite risking making his injury worse and putting his presence at the Europa League at stake.