Portuguese president says first 100 days of mandate beginning of long journey

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said his first 100 days of mandate were just the "beginning of a long journey," on Thursday during a visit to the beach resort town Espinho, around 300 km north from capital Lisbon, where he played hockey with the local mayor.

The former TV pundit and law professor, who was sworn in on March 9, told journalists: "The Portuguese will agree that I have done the best that I could. There is a long way to go, and this is merely the beginning of a long journey."

When asked by the national press to take further stock of his first three months in power, Rebelo de Sousa, 67, refused to comment and said it was a task better suited for political commentators.

The Portuguese press has highlighted that Rebelo de Sousa, often seen taking "selfies" with his fans and greeting locals affectionately, stands out due being highly active and close to the people.

Portuguese daily newspaper Diario de Noticias referred to a "new style of presidency," and TV broadcaster SIC mentioned he was a "hyperactive president, which even journalists have difficulties accompanying."

Rebelo de Sousa has already participated in 250 initiatives, and almost always agrees to make public statements, Portuguese Lusa News Agency points out.

Rebelo de Sousa took office at a shaky time, as the country was coping with increasing pressure by the European Commission and facing a possible EU sanction for failing to whittle down its public deficit to below 3 percent.

The veteran center-right politician has intended to repair political divisions from the start of his mandate and has called for consensus between the Socialist party and its left wing allies. His recent 3 day trip to Paris with Prime Minister Antonio Costa was described as a "honeymoon" by local newspaper Diario de Noticias.

Rebelo de Sousa has also insisted the Socialist government must be prudent after a financial crisis shook the country in 2011 and forced it to seek an international bailout.

Portugal's debt is still at 129 percent of GDP and international institutions have warned that Portugal is unlikely to meet the targets set in its budget plan.

Portugal's Socialist Prime Minister Antonio Costa predicts growth of 1.8 percent this year and a budget deficit cut to 2.2 per cent. Enditem