European Journal | Portugal: debt crisis? | Deutsche Welle

2010-02-25 284

Alongside Greece, Portugal is an uncertain prospect within the EU. As the country's budget deficit continues to rise at a rapid rate, more and more investors are doubting Portugal's credit-worthiness.The government of José Socrates now plans to cut jobs in the public sector and freeze wages. Just like the Greeks, the Portuguese have also taken to the streets in angry protest at all austerity measures. Incomes in Portugal are way below the EU average in any case. The country is poor, many towns are falling into disrepair, and people say they are Europe's losers.