Portugal's president is widening his consultations before deciding whether to call early elections or leave in place a coalition government rocked by resignations.

Differences over the scale of austerity measures following a 78-billion-euro bailout in 2011 triggered the resignations of the finance and foreign ministers last week.

The prime minister has since then come up with plans for a Cabinet reshuffle to heal the rift between the coalition partners, but opposition parties are pushing for an election two years ahead of schedule.

The head of state is tasked by the Constitution with ensuring the country has a stable government.

President Anibal Cavaco Silva was continuing talks with political parties on Tuesday. His office said he would also meet with business leaders and trade unions through Wednesday.