António Costa
Portuguese lawyer and politician who has served as President of the European Council and as the prime minister of Portugal
1961 CE to 2057 CE
António Luís Santos da Costa GCC GCIH (Portuguese: [ɐ̃ˈtɔnju ˈkɔʃtɐ]; born 17 July 1961) is a Portuguese lawyer and politician who has served as President of the European Council since 2024. He previously served as the 118th prime minister of Portugal from 2015 to 2024 and the secretary-general of the Socialist Party from 2014 to 2024.
Born in Lisbon, Costa was Secretary of State for Parliamentary Affairs from 1995 to 1997, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs from 1997 to 1999, Minister of Justice from 1999 to 2002, Minister of Internal Administration from 2005 to 2007, as well as Mayor of Lisbon from 2007 to 2015.
Costa was elected secretary-general of the Socialist Party in 2014. Costa's near 9-year tenure as Prime Minister is the second longest, with Costa also being the longest serving politician in government functions, in Portuguese democracy, and the longest of any Iberian Peninsula national leader in the 21st century. On 7 November 2023, Costa resigned following an investigation involving members of his government in connection with alleged corruption and malfeasance in handling lithium mining and hydrogen projects in the country. The President of Portugal decided to dissolve Parliament and called for a snap election. Costa stayed as Prime Minister in a caretaker capacity until 2 April 2024 when he was succeeded by Luís Montenegro.
In December 2024, Costa succeeded Charles Michel as President of the European Council. As President of the European Council, Costa reaffirmed support for Ukraine during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
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Mediterranean Southwest Europe (2008–2019 CE): Economic Crises, Recovery Efforts, and Political Transformations
Between 2008 and 2019 CE, Mediterranean Southwest Europe confronts profound economic crises, implements extensive recovery strategies, and navigates significant political transformations amidst evolving social dynamics.
Italy: Economic Challenges and Political Turmoil
Italy endures severe impacts from the global financial crisis of 2008, triggering prolonged economic stagnation and high unemployment rates. Successive governments under Silvio Berlusconi, Mario Monti, Enrico Letta, and Matteo Renzi introduce rigorous austerity measures, structural reforms, and stimulus packages aimed at stabilizing the economy. The period also witnesses rising populism, notably with the emergence of the Five Star Movement and the Northern League, reshaping Italy’s political landscape and challenging traditional party dominance.
Spain: Economic Crisis, Austerity, and Political Reconfiguration
Spain suffers deeply from the 2008 global financial crisis, leading to soaring unemployment, particularly among youth, and severe austerity measures under Prime Ministers José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and Mariano Rajoy. These economic pressures trigger widespread social unrest and profound political shifts, including the rise of new political entities such as Podemos and Ciudadanos, significantly altering Spain's political dynamics. By 2018, economic recovery gains momentum, supported by renewed tourism, industrial growth, and easing austerity policies.
Portugal: Economic Crisis and Resilient Recovery
Portugal faces intense economic challenges from the Eurozone crisis, necessitating international financial assistance and strict austerity under Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho. Subsequent governance by Prime Minister António Costa (2015 onwards) introduces innovative fiscal policies emphasizing social protections, economic stimulation, and managed public spending. This approach successfully fosters a robust economic recovery, significantly reducing unemployment and restoring market confidence, while maintaining Portugal's commitment to European integration.
Malta: Continued Growth and Institutional Challenges
Malta navigates the financial crisis relatively effectively, maintaining economic growth driven by robust tourism, expanding financial services, and thriving online gaming industries. Under Prime Ministers Lawrence Gonzi and later Joseph Muscat, Malta faces increasing scrutiny over governance and financial transparency issues, prompting significant institutional reforms. Nonetheless, economic stability and sustained growth consolidate Malta's position as an integral and prosperous European Union member state.
Andorra: Stability and Economic Adaptation
Andorra maintains political and economic stability, effectively managing the economic downturn by enhancing its tourism sector and diversifying into finance and technology services. Strategic investments in digital infrastructure and regulatory improvements enhance its international competitiveness and attract new business opportunities. Politically, Andorra continues steady modernization, maintaining robust governance aligned with European standards and practices.
Regional Resilience and European Solidarity
Between 2008 and 2019, Mediterranean Southwest Europe experiences significant economic hardships but demonstrates remarkable resilience through adaptive reforms, recovery strategies, and strengthened European solidarity. Politically, traditional parties face challenges from emerging movements, reflecting evolving public expectations and democratic practices. Despite difficulties, the region emerges strengthened by coordinated European efforts, enduring social cohesion, and robust institutional adaptability, positioning it for sustained future growth and stability.