The Buzz | Portuguese govt faces budget vote defeat; election likely

Portugal’s parliament was poised to reject early today [Macau time] the minority Socialist government’s proposed state budget for 2022, a move that would likely trigger a snap election and put a brake on the country’s post-pandemic recovery plans.
The moderate Socialists were deserted by their hard-left allies from the Communist Party and the Left Bloc who have helped shore up the government’s power over the past six years by voting for its policies or abstaining.
Prime Minister António Costa said he wouldn’t quit even if he was defeated.
“The government’s duty, my duty, is not to walk away when things become difficult,” Costa told lawmakers. “We have to face up to difficulties.”
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who has no executive powers but oversees the running of the country, has warned he would call an early election if parliament does not approve next year’s government spending plan.
A vote on the budget was expected today [Macau time]. Barring an eleventh-hour deal, the government’s proposal appeared doomed.
Due to constitutional requirements that must be met before an election can be held, and taking into account the Christmas vacation period, early polls would probably take place only in January.
That means a new 2022 spending program probably wouldn’t go before parliament before April.