The prime minister says he is leaving a better country after eight years of socialist governments, with Portugal poised to face challenges with a more skilled population and less debt.
Antonio Costa defended the position in his ninth and final Christmas message as prime minister, about a month and a half after resigning as head of government amid a judicial investigation and with early legislative elections scheduled for March 10.
“During these eight years, during which I had the opportunity to get to know the Portuguese and Portugal even better, I only strengthened my confidence in our homeland. It is with this increased confidence in each of you, in our collective potential, in Portugal, that I say goodbye to wishes for a Merry Christmas, a great 2024 and confidence that the Portuguese will continue to make each new year even better,” said the executive leader at the end of his message.