This is the background that should be borne in mind,   First, to understand the questions raised by foreign investors about the sustainability of both public and external debt of the Portuguese economy;  BIS central bankers’ speeches  1    Second, to understand that the consolidation of public finances is inevitable and, hence that budget execution in 2010 is extremely important as well as the achievement of the objectives set for 2011 and 2012.
At the same time, it is also vital to understand that achieving these objectives is important, but not sufficient to ensure medium to long-term sustainability of public finances;    Third, to understand that the imperatives faced by the Portuguese economy go beyond fiscal consolidation, which is a necessary but not sufficient condition to solve our economic troubles.