[fblike]

l_2Today’s R&D is brought to you by Prepd, the only software built specifically for extemp. Prepd makes it easy to research, practice, and compete!  Visit www.prepd.in to learn more. Like Prepd on Facebook for special info and contests.

This R&D provides resources on Portugal’s recent parliamentary elections.  The nation’s centre-right coalition managed to win the most votes, although its lost its parliamentary majority, defying opinion polls that projected a victory for the centre-left Socialist Party and far-left Left Bloc earlier in the year.  Like other European nations, Portugal has dealt with significant economic problems since the 2008 global financial crisis.  Its unemployment rate is still in double digits and its gross domestic product (GDP) is 7.8% lower than 2007, but economic conditions are steadily improving, which seemingly bolstered the centre-right’s chances of retaining office.  The victory gives hope to Portugal’s Iberian neighbor Spain, which will hold its parliamentary elections in December and where centre-right forces also hope to retain power in the face of far-left, anti-austerity opposition.