BRATISLAVA, March 24, (WEBNOVINY) – European leaders will probably have another issue to discuss at the summit of the European Council in Brussels Thursday and Friday. The unsuccessful attempt to push through reforms and austerity measures by Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, which led to his resignation on Wednesday, pointed to possible obstacles that could hinder necessary measures within individual countries of the eurozone, Slovak Prime Minister Iveta Radicova admitted.
“What comes next will be subject to open discussion. The condition for assistance is compliance with the new Stability and Growth Pact, including reform, austerity and consolidation of public finances,” Radicova said on her way to the summit.
According to the prime minister, it is very difficult to predict what the conclusion of the European Council will be. In her opinion, the only thing that is certain is that “without reform it will not be possible.” The stance of the Portuguese opposition, which rejected Socrates’ proposals, further worsened the position of the country on financial markets.
However, Radicova agrees with opinions that despite this, Portugal is probably not planning to ask for help. “Definitely not. It is necessary to await the further political decisions and steps that the Portuguese president and parliament will make,” she added.
SITA