Portuguese premier asked to remain; foes warned

August 17, 1981

Portugal's Social Democratic Party sought to end an intricate government crisis by asking outgoing Prime Minister Francisco Pinto Balsemao to resume office and telling his party foes to silence public criticism.

A stormy two-day meeting of party leaders ended with a motion of confidence in Mr. Balsemao, who resigned last week in the face of persistent attacks from a minority within the party.