Western Europe: Portugal - The Left-right March To Revival - The Prospect Of Four Years Of...

Byline: Peter WISE

Economic growth is slow. Unemployment has doubled over the past five years. The budget deficit is twice the level permitted by the EU. But the mood in Portugal is positive.

Renewed confidence lies at the heart of this optimism. Over the past year, the country has begun to believe again in the possibility of growth and reform and shake off the pessimism of the previous three years of political instability and economic stagnation.

"Portugal hit the bottom of the curve last year and is now back on the path to sustained growth," sa