Speaking to reporters in Loulé, António Costa underlined the importance of the continuation of the projects that unite the two countries, “from a bilateral point of view and under the scope of the European Union, particularly the energy interconnections that are absolutely fundamental”.

The prime minister also sent a hug of friendship to Mariano Rajoy, saying it was "a pleasure to work with him once again", as they had worked together previously some years ago when they were both ministers.

The Spanish parliament passes a vote of no confidence on Friday that pushes out the centre-right government of Mariano Rajoy and simultaneously elected Pedro Sánchez, the leader of the PSOE that tabled the proposal, as the new prime minster.