Antonio Costa's Goan kin popped the bubbly to celebrate his becoming Portugal PM

Antonio Costa, who traces his paternal roots to Goa, and is the leader of Portugal's Socialist Party was named prime minister on Wednesday.

Antonio's grandfather, Luis Afonso Maria da Costa, hailed from Goa. Antonio's father Orlando and uncle Joao were born in Mozambique to parents of Goan origin, and spent their childhood in Goa before moving to Portugal. While Orlando stayed on in Portugal, Joao returned in 1965.

Anna Costa, Antonio's first cousin in Margao, Goa, could barely contain her excitement at the news that he has become the PM.

Costa's Uncle Joao da Costa's Finnish wife Sinikka Jussilainen Costa(right), and his first cousin Anna Costa. Pic/Joseph Zuzarte

She said they received confirmation, through Whatsapp, of the news from Antonio's half-brother in Portugal, Ricardo, who is director of a newspaper in Lisbon.

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"We've interacted (with Ricardo) a little bit since this news broke. He's very busy, as you can imagine. Ricardo's the one who confirmed the news for us," Anna said.

"We're very happy and wish him all the very best."

Portugal PM Antonio Costa

And how do they plan to celebrate the swearing-in of her first cousin later tonight? (Goa gets the Portuguese RTP satellite channel)

"I've already popped the champagne! And we're going to pop more champagne tonight and the next few days," she said, laughing giddyly.