Special supplement: portugal - Banks Set Pace - Portugal's New Prime Minister Is Keen To...

Portugal's new Socialist prime minister, Jose Socrates, aims to transform "a country of misfortunes into a land of opportunities". In this effort to "create more economic growth, more innovation and more investment", he is being urged to draw inspiration from the banking sector.

"Portuguese banks have enjoyed strong leadership and a clear focus that have produced exceptional results," says Joao Freixa, vice-president of Caixa Geral de Depositos, one of the largest financial groups. "This is what Portugal as a whole needs now. There is a broad consensus about what we ne