The center-left Socialist Party is staying in government for four more years after winning elections Sept. 27, but its reduced parliamentary majority may handicap its efforts to lead Portugal out of an economic crisis.

Prime Minister Jose Socrates AP PHOTO

The incumbent Socialists had 36.5 percent of the vote compared with 29 percent for the center-right Social Democratic Party, the main opposition party.

That gave the Socialists 94 seats in the 230-seat parliament, making it vulnerable to opposition efforts to block legislation, which requires approval by more than half of lawmakers.

Four years ago the Socialists collected 43 percent of the vote and 121 seats.

"We have once more been chosen to govern Portugal," said Prime Minister Jose Socrates, the Socialist leader.

Unable to repeat the 2005 landslide after introducing social and economic reforms that antagonized many, the Socialists might seek parliamentary alliances to ensure that legislation is passed. Only one minority government has survived its full term since democracy was introduced in Portugal 33 years ago.