Costa says goodbye to his colleagues with experience and gratitude

Outgoing Prime Minister António Costa admitted this Thursday that he has enriched himself politically through his activities in Brussels, bringing a better understanding of the diversity of the European Union (EU), listening to others and overcoming differences, leaving a message of gratitude.

Speaking at the entrance to the last EU summit, which he attended as prime minister, Costa said that “one of the most rewarding things about political life and participation in the European Council is the opportunity to study well and to have a good understanding of the richness of Europe’s diversity.” , whether it is geography or history, has shaped the culture of each person, and it helps a lot to learn to listen to others, to understand others, to overcome differences.”

The Prime Minister also stressed that when he arrived in Brussels in 2015, when the government was formed from the so-called “geringons”, which allowed the PS to govern the country with the support of BE, PCP and PEV, he had to convince those who feared the turning point of the policy austerity.

Eight years later, he said, “we have always been loyal and active partners in both NATO and the EU.

Since the first meeting in which he took part, Council President Charles Michel, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis are still in the room.

“I think they are the only ones, there are five of us,” he said.

This is the last summit at which Prime Minister António Costa represents Portugal. The Portuguese politician is shown a farewell video, as well as a statue depicting the European Council headquarters building.

The Democratic Alliance (AD) won the elections on March 10, and the leader of the SDP was appointed prime minister by the president of the republic. Luis Montenegro will present his government on March 28, with the inauguration scheduled for April 2.

The two coalitions led by the PSD – AD (PSD/CDS/PPM) and Madeira Primeiro (PSD/CDS) – received 28.84% of the votes and 80 deputies, according to preliminary results from the General Secretariat of the Ministry of the Interior. Administration – Election administration.

The PS was the second party in terms of votes with 28% and 78 deputies, while Chega received 18.07% and 50 seats in the new parliament.

The Liberal Initiative (LI) became the fourth political force with 4.94% of the votes and eight deputies, followed by the Left Bloc with 4.36% and five deputies. The PCP also elected deputies with 3.17% and four deputies, as did Livre, with 3.16%. The People-Animals-Nature Party (PAN) retained its MP with 1.95%.