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Portuguese,

Considering the result of the General Election, in which no political party obtained a majority of parliamentary seats, I instructed Dr. Pedro Passos Coelho to carry out assessments as to the possibilities of constituting a governmental solution that would ensure the political stability and governance of the Country.

The Government to be empowered by the President of the Republic must guarantee the Portuguese that it will respect the international commitments historically assumed by the State of Portugal, and the overall strategic options adopted by the Country since the institution of the democratic regime and once again voted upon by the great majority of our citizens.

Particularly demanded are the observance of the duties deriving from participation in international organizations for collective defence, such as NATO, and of the full adhesion to the European Union and to the Euro Zone, as well as the deepening of the transatlantic relationship, and the development of the privileged links with Portuguese speaking countries, namely within the scope of CPLP.

Portugal faces complex challenges that must remain in our minds.

In 2011, it had to subscribe a Programme of Economic and Financial Aid with international institutions. This was concluded in May 2014, with the Country returning successfully to the markets for the financing of the State and the economy.

In the following legislative period, Portugal must follow sustainable economic growth and job creation, to enable obliterating the sacrifices that were demanded from the Portuguese and combating poverty situations.

Such objectives have to be reached simultaneously with the compliance of European rules in budgetary discipline, as is the case with the other Member of the Euro Zone.

It will be necessary to ensure the sustainability of the public debt, the balance of external accounts, the reduction of indebtedness with foreign institutions and the competitiveness of our economy.

It is necessary that political conditions be created to enable improving the wellbeing of our people and to reinforce our Country’s external credibility.

And it is thus fundamental that, after the Portuguese having made their choices in the election held on Sunday, a durable and stable Government is appointed.

As is the case in all European democracies, it is the duty of the political parties that elected members of Parliament to demonstrate an opening towards a compromise that, with a sense of responsibility ensures a consistent governance solution.

Let it be very clear: in the terms of the Constitution the President of the Republic cannot stand in for the political parties in the process of forming a Government, and I will not do so.

I recall that, until April of next year, the President of the Republic does not have the power to dissolve Parliament, and that, meanwhile, a new Government will take up its duties and the State Budget for 2016 approved, a decisive document for the Country’s financial stability.

Portugal has need, at this time in our history, of a stable and sound Government. This is the moment of compromise. The Country faces a new political cycle, in which the culture of dialogue and negotiation must be ever present.

I trust that the party political forces will give primary consideration to Portugal’s supreme interests.

Good Evening.