The Portuguese are among the glummest people in Europe. According to a Eurobarometer poll, 92% see the economic situation as bad; fully 95% are depressed about their job prospects; and over half are "dissatisfied with the life they lead". Within the European Union, only easterners from Hungary and Bulgaria are similarly morose. Why the pessimism?rnJose Socrates, the Socialist prime minister, could offer reasons to be more cheerful. Portugal has not experienced a big property bust like those in Spain and Ireland.
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