LISBON (Reuters) - Portugal is not considering to ask for any new bailouts and is constantly working to meet its European targets and cut its budget deficit, the finance ministry said on Wednesday in response to remarks by Germany's finance minister.
Wolfgang Schaeuble said earlier on Wednesday that Portugal, which emerged from an EU/IMF bailout in 2014, would need to apply for a new aid programme, although he added later that the Portuguese "don't want it (a new package) and they don't need it if they stick to the European rules."
"Regarding the remarks made by Wolfgang Schaeuble, although he himself immediately corrected them, the finance ministry clarifies that no new aid programme is being considered for Portugal," it said in a statement.
"The ministry reiterates the government's efforts to meet all the commitments to Europe, in parliament and before the Portuguese."