Rui Rio seems determined to lead his party into the January elections, in spite of a fairly lacklustre record in opposition

Contender for PSD leadership warns: “PS Socialists’ irresponsibility” could leave country adrift

Paulo Rangel, the man gunning for leadership of PSD Social Democrats, has been the first on the centre-right today to comment on the compounding chaos of the proposed State Budget. In a tweet he said: “The irresponsibility of the PS could leave the country adrift. In the face of political crisis, we have to correspond to what the Portuguese expect of us. Being prepared for any scenario requires being strongly legitimised for all eventualities”. Mr Rangel is hoping to oust current PSD leader Rui Rio who for his own reasons appears to be remaining silent.