Portugal will only be subject to “one bailout, one time-frame and one financial package”.
The guarantee came from Deputy Prime Minister Paulo Portas during the inauguration of a Portuguese gym in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
“I do not have confidence in, nor do I want, a second time-frame, a second financial package or a second bailout,” he told reporters.
The government’s second-in-command was asked if he was feeling optimistic about the return of troika to Portugal. Members of the International Monetary Fund, European Central Bank and European Commission returned to Portugal this week for the 10th evaluation of the country’s adjustment programme – the third to last before the troika is predicted to return financial autonomy to the country.
Portas conveyed his strong belief that troika will end its task “in June and not after” which is what Portugal is working towards.
“I guarantee that we will make it. Portugal is already seen as a country that is overcoming the crisis. Ireland has already ended its (financial) programme and Portugal will too in June,” he said.
Portas has been one of the most prominent voices of optimism among Portuguese politicians – forever expressing confidence in Portugal’s ability to end its financial adjustment without the need for a second bailout.
