Portugal sets deadline for 'national salvation pact'

FXstreet.com (Barcelona) - Portugal's Social Democratic Party, the Democratic and Social Center Party and the Socialist Party decided on Sunday that they must reach an agreement on a "national salvation pact" by July 21 in order to keep the country's bailout program on track, until early elections are held after June next year.

Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva proposed this solution to the political crisis which gripped the country after two ministers unexpectedly stepped down the week before.