The Socialists have been enjoying a small lead in recent polls of voter intentions, in the run up to next month's general election.
The issues of Christmas bonuses and national holidays were two of the 40 or so on which Costa responded in answer to questions posted online by voters, during a live-streaming session that lasted more than an hour and a half.


This year as last, Christmas bonuses are being paid in 12 parts along with each monthly pay packet. According to Costa, "there's no reason" for this distribution to be made.


On the issue of holidays, Costa reiterated his commitment to restoring this year the one on 1 December, marking the Restoration of Independence from Spain. He also stressed the importance of the 5 October Republic Day holiday but also religious holidays Corpus Dei and 1 November.


"Although I am not a believer, I obviously respect the religious convictions of the majority of our population and also the significance of religious holidays," he said. "Re-establishing the two civil holidays does not prevent the re-establishment of the other holidays and I think we should also do [that] in the terms negotiated between Portugal and the Holy SEe."