Team Blitz India
NEW DELHI: Portugal Prime Minister Antonio Costa has an intriguing connection to the past, rich in historical irony, as he traces his roots back to Goa.
In 2015, Costa assumed office as the Prime Minister, leading the centre-left Partido Socialista. His Government was initially met with scepticism, and few expected it to survive. But Costa survived as the head of a minority coalition government for four years.
This remarkable feat paved the way for his second term in 2019. Subsequently, on January 30, 2022, Costa secured an emphatic win in polls, clinching a clear majority and extending his tenure as PM for a third term.
Handling of pandemic
Costa’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and successful vaccination policies positioned Portugal favourably in comparison to other European countries, solidifying his reputation as a capable leader.
While Antonio Costa himself was born in the vibrant city of Lisbon, a line of his family tree continues to reside in the picturesque town of Margao, nestled in Goa. His ancestral connection to Goa is from his father’s side, with his grandfather being born in the former Portuguese colony and residing there for the most of his life.
Costa’s father, Orlando da Costa, a celebrated writer, hails from Mozambique, another Portuguese colony. His literary works exhibit his strong Goan influences, including writings dedicated to the renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore. Orlando da Costa is widely recognised as an influential figure in the anti-colonial novel genre.
In Konkan region, Antonio Costa is affectionately known as ‘Babush’, a Konkani term that is used for a young loved one.
Pravasi Bhartiya Samman
Recognising his outstanding achievements and significant contributions, he was honoured with the prestigious Pravasi Bhartiya Samman in January 2017 during his visit to his ancestral home in Goa.
Costa’s commendable negotiation skills and remarkable ability to bring about positive change earned him the nickname ‘Gandhi of Lisbon’ in Portugal. This title was bestowed upon him for his transformative efforts as the mayor of Portugal’s capital, where he successfully revitalised a crime-ridden neighbourhood, leaving an indelible mark on the city.
Antonio Costa’s journey from his Goan roots to becoming Portugal’s Prime Minister showcases the fascinating interplay between history, heritage, and political ascendancy
