Sábado
«How the rows and intrigues between Passos Coelho and Paulo Portas reduced us to Greece’s level», writes the current affairs magazine which points out the similarities between the two countries in that there had been a political crisis in Greece too, the prime minister there had also insisted he would not resign and the country eventually ended up by having a second bailout.
Visão
«How the Government exploded», reports the weekly current affairs magazine which goes behind the scenes to analyse the squabbles, meetings and resignations in the PSD-CDS coalition government over the past 28 hours. It also spotlights new Finance Minister Maria Luís Albuqerque: her career and the real reasons why she was rejected by Paulo Portas.
Público
«Portugal’s CDS minority coalition party in horse trading power demand», reports Público, as the Prime Minister, Pedro Passos Coelho, and the CDS leader and Foreign Minister Paulo Portas meet to discuss the conditions required by the CDS to maintain the coalition government afloat. So far the threat of further resignations from the Government have been averted as the two coalition parties began horse trading on Wednesday evening although the leadership and behaviour of the two warring politicians, Passos and Portas has been the target of criticism from other parties and parliamentary figures. On Wednesday morning the Portuguese stock market went into freefall seeing over €800 million wiped off share values and the Lisbon market and securities commission CMVM banning short selling. The pressure is now on to find a political solution to the impasse to avoid snap elections which could hamper Portugal’s chances of returning to the markets.
«Bolivian government threatens to expel Portuguese diplomats», reports Público, after Portugal had refused to allow a flight carrying the Bolivian president to enter its air space on Tuesday following rumours that the flight from Moscow may have been carrying diplomatic whistle blower Edward Snowden who is wanted by the Americans for leaking State secrets, sparking the diplomatic row.
Correio da Manhã
«Crisis sparked by Portas costs Portugal €4.2bn», writes Correio da Manhã, as the popular daily tabloid blames the leader of the CDS minority coalition partner, Paulo Portas over his decision to quit on Tuesday for causing turmoil on the international markets with 10% being wiped off the value of Portuguese bank shares and damaging Portugal’s standing in the international community as a partner serious about putting its financial house in order.
Diário de Notícias
«Government in paralysis: CDS demands that the PSD appoints new ministers and a new policy», reports Diário de Notícias, following yesterdays shock resignation of CDS leader Paulo Portas from his position as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Prime Minister Passos Coelho and Foreign Minister, Paulo Portas are holding behind closed doors negotiations to broker a deal to present to President Aníbal Cavaco Silva later today. The CDS is said to be demanding a complete Government reshuffle with more influence in the PSD-led Government. Meantime the main PS opposition party is calling for snap elections which would take place at the same time as local council elections in September. The stock market is reported by the newspaper to have lost €2.2bn with interest rates on 10-year bonds soaring to 8% and talk of a second bailout.
Jornal de Notícias
«Portas has Government over a barrel», reveals Jornal de Notícias as it headlines that the CDS-PP leader Paulo Portas “made the crisis and will unmake it”. The Porto daily newspaper reports a major Government reshuffle in the pipeline which will be more aimed at kick-starting the economy and relieving the worst effects of the austerity measures seen as strangling the Portuguese economy. In Berlin, at a conference to discuss the problem of youth unemployment, Pedro Passos Coelho gave signals that he was prepared to negotiate with the CDS minority coalition partner, but the fact that Portas had decided to resign without first telling members of his party caused irritation amongst CDS-PP leaders. The newspaper also reports that Portas’ adventure cost PSI-20 listed stock market companies 2.2 billion.
i
«Government undergoing works», reports i, as Portugal’s Prime Minister, Pedro Passos Coelho and CDS-PP minority coalition leader Paulo Portas were reported to be hammering out a solution to the political crisis overnight on Wednesday that Portas himself has helped to create in the first place. Government sources were optimistic over an agreement which was due to be presented to President Aníbal Cavaco Silva on Thursday. “We’re sorry for the inconvenience and hope to complete the works soon” jokes the newspaper on its front page by using a common road works traffic sign.
Diário Económico
«How will Portugal service €30bn by 2015», asks Diário Económico, as the newspaper reports that even before this week’s political crisis, the need to negotiate a top-up loan with European partners had already been mooted to come into force at the end of the financial assistance programme. Negotiations for a fresh bailout are reported to be on the cards after the German elections, but the catch from Brussels is that Portugal must resolve its political problems first.
Jornal de Negócios
«Now what? The State, the Companies, their Money and the Damage from the Crisis», reports Jornal de Negócios, which states that Europe is insisting that Portugal has until Monday to come up with assurances that its policies agreed with international lenders are still on track. The newspaper, in a special edition, reports that Portugal will not need troika money this year but that the troika is demanding a letter of commitment from the three main Portuguese parties in Parliament – PSD, CDS-PP and PS that it will honour its financial commitments in the assistance programme.
A Bola
«Bruno is a Superstar», writes A Bola, “This link between the club’s top brass and the fans has been missing for some time and this is what makes Sporting a force” says Bruno de Carvalho. Mauricio arrives in Lisbon to sign with sporting, Cissé signs up for five seasons.
Record
«Maurício no Sporting», reports Record, reporting that the Chelsea midfielder arrives at Sporting today to sign his contract. The Brazilian player, aged 24, will be linked to the Lions for five seasons and is causing an atmosphere of euphoria at the training pitch at Alvalade.
O Jogo
«Quintero provokes free kicks and overtime», says O Jogo, as the FC Porto player brought overtime in the World sub-20 match against Colombia with a goal in the 94th minute of play. Now the Colombian team has been eliminated in penalty time and the midfielder who has saved the day has bags packed for a well deserved holiday.