Latest news and stories about left wing in Portugal for expats and residents.
A new political phase has begun in Portugal following the 2026 presidential elections. On the left, we must not rest after Seguro's victory, but rather intensify the resistance work that has been underway. We should take advantage of these two years without scheduled elections, and therefore without the subsequent competitiveness, to build inter-party bridges, also including other political, associative, and trade union movements.
There is much criticism to be levelled at the left for now cosseting Ventura, and much praise to be given to the right for keeping Ventura out.
The BE coordinator announced today that he will propose to the party's National Board that it call on voters to back António José Seguro in the second round of the presidential election, scheduled for 8 February.
Left-wing people seem to be more sensible, even more intelligent, in their political choices than the majority of the leaders of left-wing parties. Opinion by São José Almeida.
Catarina Martins urges voters not to back those who do not put forward a programme for the country, Jorge Pinto leaves the decision on tactical voting in the hands of citizens, and António Filipe, during the traditional descent through Chiado, rejects the notion that the left is defeated in this election.
Reactions to the situation in Venezuela and Greenland undermine Western cohesion and illustrate that the left wants European decline, relying here on the Socialist Party (PS) and the other parties.
The candidate was standing close to Jorge Pinto, insists he did not speak to him and was sparing in his comments about the left-leaning path that opened up to him. He maintains it is a “waste” to vote for someone who does not make it into the second round.
The Bloco member appealed to voters who want to break 'taboos'.
António Filipe, Catarina Martins and Jorge Pinto campaigned in different districts but converged in their criticism of the prime minister.
Instead of the PCP and BE, Livre had been on the rise, but it is now going to be one of the major losers, jeopardising or delaying the renewal of the left.
On the eighth day of the campaign, António Filipe received strong popular support in Lisbon, backed by Jerónimo de Sousa, while Jorge Pinto and Catarina Martins preferred to visit markets, delivering criticisms and challenges to the right‑wing candidates.
'This is the candidacy that does not give up, because here nobody gives up on the country,' Paulo Raimundo emphasised at a rally in Lisbon that was also attended by Jerónimo de Sousa.
The PCP's secretary-general said today that António Filipe's candidacy for the Presidency of the Republic is openly left-wing, without hedging or disguise, with “zero compromises” with right-wing politics and is the one that “does not give up”.
This Saturday, António Filipe criticised the right's neoliberal policies, while Jorge Pinto promised to protect the Constitution. Catarina Martins was more forceful and accused her rivals of vying for the prime minister's approval.
Catarina Martins today appealed for votes 'for those who make this country' in the presidential election, referring to her own candidacy, and criticised right-wing opponents, saying that, without the left, the campaign would be one of 'savagery and mud'.
The candidate backed by Livre is the youngest in the race for the Presidency of the Republic. Jorge Pinto, 38, says he is 'very proud to be on the left' and believes his bid for Belém 'was necessary' because 'no extra‑party candidacy emerged to bring the left together.'
For the more left-wing candidates, the fifth day of the campaign ends with criticism of the Government. António Filipe calls on the prime minister to take responsibility. Catarina Martins does not spare criticism of António José Seguro, while Jorge Pinto admits he is prepared to accept a poor result.
Rising in the polls, Seguro sharpens his strategy and charges ahead in concentrating the left vote. Confidence in a second round (run-off) is beginning to take shape even among socialists who were less convinced by the candidate.
Presidential candidate Jorge Pinto says it will not be because of him that António José Seguro does not become President of the Republic, challenging the other left-wing candidates to prevent a right-wing victory in this month's elections. “It will not be because of me that António José Seguro will not be President of the Republic,” said the candidate supported by Livre...
Jorge Pinto said he might pull out (withdraw his candidacy) but appealed for left-wing parties and supporters to unite to avoid splitting the vote.
Seguro says it is positive for the country that there is a left-wing candidate in the second round of the elections. Backed by opinion polls, he says he is the only candidate from that camp with a real chance of reaching it.
Presidential candidate António José Seguro appealed on Tuesday to left-wing and centre-left voters to concentrate their votes on his candidacy, arguing that he is the only one from that political area in a position to advance to the second round. "My appeal is addressed to all voters, in particular left-wing and centre-left voters, ...
The times we live in call for renewal on the left and for the left’s now more limited strength to be expanded through united purposes and actions. Opinion by Domingos Lopes
Jorge Pinto described himself as 'a critical but convinced pro‑European' to distance himself from Catarina's euro‑scepticism. Neither showed any sign of considering withdrawing in favour of Seguro.
Unable to 'call left what isn't left', it is quite likely that both candidates will see as the winner someone who, for them, will remain a greater evil. Column by David Pontes
Europe and rejection of the 'useful vote' were central themes in the final left‑wing face‑off. “Choosing the lesser evil has only made the greater evil grow,” warned Catarina Martins. “Having a right‑wing President is bad,” but polls should not be the “main reason to vote,” Jorge Pinto emphasised.
In a 7am update on the presidential race, Seguro asserts he is the sole left‑wing contender likely to advance to the run‑off.
Eurico Brilhante Dias urged left-wing parties and supporters to unite and support Seguro's candidacy.
António Filipe and José Seguro discuss the distinctions among left-wing forces and argue over which figures or parties deserve the tactical (useful) vote.
'A vote for a candidate to my left is a vote for the right,' said Seguro. António Filipe said votes for Seguro would end up 'in the same basket' as Marques Mendes and Gouveia e Melo.
