Four years earlier, Costa had led the party to a near-imposible stab at power, after the coalition of the then ruling combination had been unable to produce the numbers to stay in power for a second term. Costa had managed to cobble together a coalition with the left parties and had finally been appointed Prime Minister in November, after weeks of a stalemate. His government had not been expected to complete a term, but not only did he manage to prove his detractors wrong on that, but also managed to get the country’s economy back on track. That was the major achievement of the Costa government, and it is the handling of the economy that sees him retain the premiership of Portugal.
But, his party didn’t get the absolute majority that he had hoped for. This had been predicted, as polls had shown that the Partido Socialista would fall short of the numbers to form a government of its own. The numbers, however, are more in favour of Costa this time, with a larger share of the vote and the dependence on the allies will be reduced. Perhaps, he may get more of a free hand to bring in the changes he wants, as the party now commands 106 seats in the 230 member Parliament. Four years ago the party had won 86 seats and was more dependent on the allies.
But to achieve anything, he will have to battle it out with the coalition partners, some of whom want increased public spending. The work ahead for Costa is tremendous. The country may have emerged from the economic slowdown and paid back the debts, many of the Portuguese who had emigrated abroad, have returned to the country, but it is yet to come on par with some of the other stronger European nations.
The Portuguese economy today, is growing faster than the EU average, and he will have to keep the momentum to keep from sliding. After weeks on the campaign trail, Costa will return to heading the government and directing the fortunes of the country. Portugal needs to take some major steps, and perhaps some harsh decisions, as it aims to take its place alongside the more successful nations of the European Community. It was perhaps the ability of Costa to take those risks that gave him the vote that he has got. But, the vote has not been overwhelming, so he has got to take the other parties in the coalition along with him.
Of partial Goan descent, the Prime Minister of Portugal is the son of Goan writer Orlando da Costa whose ancestral house still exists in Margao. When he visited Goa in 2017, Costa, who within the family is known as Babush, visited the house and was warmly received in the State with cheers reserved for a hero. Costa’s rise to the Palacio de Sao Bento in Lisbon, Portugal, was not dramatic, except for the events of the final few weeks before he actually moved in. He has served in various positions, including that of the Mayor of Lisbon, and the career graph could have led only to that one coveted position – the Prime Minister of Portugal.
Long before he challenged the leader of the Partido Socialista and assumed leadership of the party in 2014, Costa was a name already being whispered in Lisbon’s corridors of power as a potential Prime Minister. Not only did he manage to assume that position, but has now got the people’s endorsement for another term heading the government.
