Early Elections Called in Portugal

Just months after a new center-right government took office in Portugal, it was announced on Tuesday that early general elections would be called. The move was announced by Portugal's socialist President, Jorge Sampaio, who informed Prime Minister Pedro Santana Lopes that he would dissolve the parliament. Voters are now expected to go to polls early next year, possibly in February. The prime minister said he disagreed with the president as his coalition holds a majority in parliament and there is "no reason for this dissolution." The present government has been accused of a lack of co-ordination and of interfering with the media. It has also been struggling with budget problems and a poor economic outlook. Recently, the minister for youth and sport resigned and accused the prime minister of dishonesty and disloyalty. The opposition has been calling for early elections since the summer, after former prime minister Jose Barroso left to head the European Commission. (EUObserver.com)