António Costa pledges to make Portugal ‘fairer’ after surprise poll victory

Ruling Socialist party wins absolute majority in snap election, as populist anti-Roma party also increases share

Portugal's ruling Socialists are preparing for a third consecutive term after winning a surprise absolute majority in a snap general election that confounded predictions, pundits and pollsters and saw the far-right become the third-largest group in parliament.

The prime minister, Antonio Costa, has pledged to use his unexpectedly large mandate to bring in reforms and investments that will make Portugal more prosperous, fairer, and more innovative".