Socialists propose increasing exports to get Portugal out of crisis

Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates promised Wednesday to increase the country's exports to a hefty 40 percent of its gross domestic product if his Socialist party wins the June 5 elections.


Announcing the ruling party's campaign platform, Socrates also promised to maintain the welfare state while taking measures to cut deficit in face of a prolonged economic crisis.


"We will proceed with cutting public expenses, without risking our welfare state," said Socrates.


The Socialist leader blamed the opposition for his resignation.


"We did everything in our reach to avoid the crisis. They rejected the measures for the Stability Program, showing immaturity and hunger for power," stated Socrates in a campaign speech.


The Portuguese parliament earlier rejected a set of measures to cut deficit, forcing Socrates' government to resign.
(Source:http://news.xinhuanet.com)