"The seasoned Mr Costa, who exudes the good-time vibes of an uncle who won't rat on teenagers sneaking a bottle of wine at a family function, is known as a capable backroom operator. He has crafted wily party coalitions at home, of the sort that might need to be replicated at the European level. He would also add a touch of diversity in a town that has shockingly little of it: his father was of Goan descent and Mr Costa is an "overseas citizen" of India.
The sole wrinkle on Mr Costa's CV is a tentacular influence-peddling scandal that forced him from the Portuguese premiership. Details of the investigation into Mr Costa and his entourage are scarce, but revolve around infrastructure construction permits that tend to go faster when the right politicians are on board. Wiretaps suggested Mr Costa would at least have been aware of what was going on; his chief of staff was found to be storing €75,800 ($81,100) in cash in his office. Mr Costa is not a formal suspect and denies all charges, but was questioned by prosecutors as recently as May. Given the turtle-speed pace of the Portuguese judiciary, the prospect of charges is unlikely to disappear soon."
Trecho retirado da revista The Economist, "Charlemagne - Can António Costa make a success of the world's hardest political gig?"
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