Portuguese local elections go against Government austerity

Portuguese voters have handed the coalition government a heavy defeat in local elections, apparently reflecting widespread public opposition to austerity measures and workplace reforms following the country’s €78bn bail-out.

With just over 60% of votes counted, the centre-right Social Democratic Party, the coalition’s senior partner, had 22% of the national tally of votes compared with 38% for the centre-left Socialist Party, the main opposition in parliament. The Socialists are demanding less austerity and more investment in economic growth. Complete results from the votes are expected today.