Christian Democrat to join new Lisbon government

Christian Democratic leader Diogo Freitas do Amaral has agreed to join a new Portuguese government to be formed by erstwhile Prime Minister Francisco Pinto Balsemao.

The CDS leader announced his decision after an invitation from Mr. Pinto Balsemao to become deputy prime minister. He refused to join the Social Democratic leader's first government, and was a critic of its middle-of-the-road policies.

Mr. Pinto Balsemao resigned Aug. 10 in the face of mounting criticism from within his party and the conservative CDS. Mr. Pinto Balsemao conceded the Christian Democrats a swing to the right in economic policy in return for their commitment to back the new administration fully.