Portugal readies for general election as 21 parties field candidatesAugust 27, 2015 - 17:09 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Portugal's National Election Commission says 21 parties, some in coalitions, will field candidates in the Oct 4 general election, the Associated Press reports. The commission said late Wednesday, August 26, that only 14 parties will run in all 22 electoral districts. The Social Democratic Party and the Popular Party — which formed Portugal's center-right coalition government for the past four years — are standing together. Their main rival is the center-left Socialist Party. Between them, the three main parties are expected to collect more than 70 percent of the vote, similar to previous elections. All the main parties say they will abide by the fiscal discipline required by being in the 19-nation eurozone, although the Socialists have promised to ease some austerity measures, the AP says. Recent polls indicate the governing coalition and the Socialists are roughly neck-and-neck, raising the prospect of a minority government. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. |