Portugal’s Socialists tipped for re-election

Portugal yesterday voted with Prime Minister Antonio Costa's Socialists tipped to win a second straight term after presiding over a period of solid economic growth following years of austerity. His likely re-election bucks the trend of declining centre-left fortunes and the rise of far-right, populist forces seen elsewhere in Europe. Final opinion polls published Friday put support for the Socialist Party (PS) at 36-39 percent, compared to 25-30 percent for nearest rivals the centre-right Social Democrats (PSD).