Sócrates PS first majority government

Doctrine — stated goals and content

Economic school: centre-left Euro-orthodoxy — continued austerity under socialist banner ("austerity of left") combined with modernisation and technology push. Left-right axis: centre-left politically, centrist on macro-fiscal. Dated policies: IVA rate raised from 19% to 21% July 2005 continuation; public-administration reorganisation PRACE 2006; Novas Oportunidades programme for adult education 2005; Magalhães laptop initiative 2008 — one laptop per primary student; Treaty of Lisbon drafted and signed under Portuguese EU presidency December 2007; high-speed-rail commitments (later cancelled); public-pension reform 2007 introducing sustainability factor tying pensions to life expectancy; General Civil-Service Law (Lei 12-A/2008) harmonising public-employment regimes; corporate tax SME rate cuts 2006; new motorway concessions; Faria e Castro anti-corruption statute preparation. Popularity: 2005 election PS 45.0% absolute majority — first PS majority ever; approval tested by education strikes 2007-2008; re-elected with smaller plurality 2009. Coherence: high — clear "austerity-and- modernisation" package delivered against pushback.