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M. Continuo

Portugal president asks Socialist leader to form government, with conditions


    LISBON (Reuters) - Portugal's president asked Socialist leader Antonio Costa on Monday to start the process to form a stable government and called on clarifications on his agreements with far left parties that would support the government in parliament.

    President Anibal Cavaco Silva requested clarification on passing budgets, especially the one for 2016, and on commitments to European Union budget rules.

    In a statement, the president's office said he has charged Costa to "pursue efforts to find a lasting, credible and stable government solution."

    (Reporting By Axel Bugge)