DCI/NIO REGIONAL MEETING -- 11 DECEMBER 1985

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP87R00529R000100040024-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 16, 2011
• Sequence Number: 24
• Publication Date: December 10, 1985
• Content Type: MISC

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/16 :CIA-RDP87R00529R000100040024-4
NIO/EUROPE
10 December 1985
DCI/NIO Regional Meeting -- 11 December 1985
Portugese Politics
Personal rivalries, new political philosophies and popular impatience
with weak leadership seem to augur an era of increased protest votes,
shifting political alliances, and greater polarization:
-- The main personal antagonism is that of outgoing President Eanes
toward former Prime Minister Soares which is reflected in his
determination to block Soares' presidential aspirations.
-- The new political philosophy is that of Social Democratic leader
Cavaco Silva who believes his minority government, party and the
Right in general will benefit from ending their cooperation with
the Socialists and presenting themselves as a viable alternative
to the Left.
-- Popular impatience with these political shenanigans against a
background of economic difficulties may result in a large
protest vote for independent I~laria Pintasilgo, with incalculable
consequences for the prospects of other Presidential candidates.
Ironically the upshot of all these developments may be what few of
the instigators want: weaker governments and greater Communist
influence. Another likely result will be governments more eager to
demonstrate their nationalist credentials and thus more difficult as
partners in NATO and in bilateral relations with the US.
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/16 :CIA-RDP87R00529R000100040024-4