Portugal government faces symbolic vote of no confidence

LISBON (Reuters) - Portugal's main opposition Socialists will field a motion of no confidence in the centre-right coalition government in a largely symbolic move that reflects growing resistance to bailout austerity amid the worst recession since the 1970s.

The government that has been praised by Brussels for its austerity and structural reforms has a solid majority in parliament and would easily defeat the move as it has defeated three previous such motions filed by smaller left-wing parties.