NÓS VISTOS POR ELES: Trindade profana

Unholy trinity: a power play in Portugal 

«Another left turn in the south of the euro zone. But how sharp? António Costa, leader of Portugal’s Socialist Party (PS), is poised to become prime minister; an odd alliance of his own, moderate bunch, the Communist Party and the radical Left Bloc toppled the minority centre-right government on Tuesday, its 12th day in office. Bitter foes for years, the three parties have found common cause in opposing austerity and forcing out Pedro Passos Coelho, who saw Portugal through a tough international bail-out. Mr Costa’s critics accuse him of recklessness in allying with the far left to gain power, despite losing last month’s general election. (The centre-right won most votes, but lost its majority.) A PS government will depend on the votes of parties that would like to restructure debt and quit NATO. Mr Costa has sworn to keep to the narrow path of fiscal consolidation, but can expect serious elbowing from his left.»

The Economist Espresso