A deeper dialogue and structural reforms

摘要

Portugal's prime minister, Jose Socrates, talks to Brian Caplen and Peter Wise about his priorities for the EU presidency and his determination to 'build Portugal into a modern country' fully equipped to compete in the global economy. Since taking office in March 2005, prime minister Jose Socrates has pushed through a series of tough reforms aimed at increasing competitiveness and bringing Portugal's spiralling budget deficit under control. In July, Mr Socrates, who turns 50 this year, will step into the international spotlight for the first time as Portugal takes over the EU's six-month rotating presidency.