09 Oct 2019  |   04:13am IST

Re-election of Portuguese PM brings joy to Goans

The return to power of PM Antonio Costa in a country that once ruled Goa is a matter of great joy and the fact it was done in a way without resorting to cheap language or the use of force made everyone very proud

Ajit John

Prime Minister António Costa of Portugal won

Sunday’s national election, as voters rewarded his Socialist party for returning the country to robust growth and budgetary health.The Socialists appeared likely to fall short of a majority of the 230 seats in Parliament. But their margin of victory gave Mr. Costa plenty of leeway to negotiate an alliance with smaller parties, like the one that brought him unexpectedly into office four years ago. This development brought joy to Goans as they celebrated the fact that one of their own had proved himself and was rewarded by the voter to continue doing his job for yet another term.

Aires Rodrigues, advocate compared this development with the sorry state of affairs in Goa. He said “While the current ruling politicians in Goa are very selfishly and so shamelessly laying to rest whatever remains of our once glorious State, the Goans across the globe should be now elated that our very own Goenkar Antonio Costa has been re-elected to have his second term as the Prime Minister of Portugal.Let us whole-heartedly applaud and wish him all the very best. Let us pray that with his proven skills our Antonio Costa discharges his role meticulously always for the betterment and wellbeing of one and all”. Noted writer DamodarMauzo was overjoyed at this development. He said “Goan’s are everywhere in the diaspora making their mark. They are leaving an imprint in Canada, the UK, in Africa. Who can forget their contribution in East African countries? He is now leading a country that once ruled us. They had occupied us and with all this baggage, there was no bitterness. The Portuguese voters voted for him. It has made all of us feel proud when the average Goan voter showed confidence in a Goan”. Noted Cardiologist Francisco Colaco said he felt very happy because PM António Costa had Goan roots. He said “Portugal was staring at very bad times. Everything was out of gear. This man has been instrumental in making it work. He did a lot of hard work in three departments. The economy was failing and Portugal was considered the poor man of Europe. The medical system was poor and people could not afford to go to the private sector for help. He managed to boost the failing economy. Salaries are now increasing. If it continues, Portugal will then retain its place amongst the top countries in Europe. He became a man of the people. He established a rapport with the people and helped them. Finally, Portugal was fighting a political war. He has made peace with other political parties and gained their support. When people criticise continuously it is difficult to work. He managed to pacify them and win them over. He did not win a majority and needs help from outside. Sometimes a majority can turn people. I am happy.” Vivek Menezes, writer, photographer felt that he was one of the few leaders in the world showing an alternative and that made him proud. He added that he was a proud Indian who knew his Goan roots which was very good. Finally Dr Oscar Rebello said it was matter of great pride for Goans that one of their own had been re-elected as the Prime Minister of Portugal. However he said it was even more important that Portugal had elected a genial, jovial, trustworthy and honest humanist to captain their ship yet again. He said “ Not once did one hear the language of deportation of an anlien or getting rid of termites or any xenophobic, bigoted language during te entire election process. So more than just celebrating a gentleman with Goan roots becoming a premier again, we need to raise a heartfelt toast to the people of Portugal . for another sterling, scintillating display of unadulterated democracy. At the end of the day that is what counts”.