Portugal's ruling Socialists reached a landmark agreement with the main opposition to reform the inefficient legal system on Friday, sending a strong signal of determination to modernise the country's institutions, according to Reuters. The deal -- a rarity in Portuguese politics -- was signed between the Socialists and the centre-right Social Democratic Party in parliament, ensuring a large parliamentary majority for a reform that some analysts say is key to boosting growth. Reform-minded Prime Minister Jose Socrates has faced strong opposition, especially from civil servants, in his drive to reform the underperforming Portuguese economy so cross-party agreement on changes could be key. "This is the first time in the history of Portuguese democracy that we celebrate this kind of agreement," said Marques Mendes, president of the Social Democratic Party. "It is a new way of doing politics, with less selfishness by the parties and greater focus on the national interest." The government presented on Thursday plans to change everything from the penal code to court appeals in the legal system in Portugal, where cases can take years. "I hope some of these measures bring about serious change in Portugal's justice system, which is a burden on the state and the development of the economy," said Andre Freire, professor of political science at Lisbon's university of social science ISCTE. Attempts to change the legal system so far by Socrates have already prompted strong opposition, including by judges when the government proposed to cut their generous summer holidays so that cases do not pile up. Socrates's government has promised to put Portugal back on track after underperforming its European partners for several years, starting with reforms of the civil service, social security and education. "This agreement will in great measure enable the government to accomplish its goals because all these reforms are part of the government's programme," Socrates told journalists after the signing of the agreement with the opposition. Other parties in parliament were also invited to sign up to the deal. Among specific changes the government wants to make to the courts are simplification of the appeals system, speeding up the time cases take to be heard and attempting to reduce the amount of cases brought to the supreme court.
