Leftwing Bloc (Portuguese: Bloco de Esquerda) is a Portuguese left-wing political party founded in 1999. Notable members include Fernando Rosas, Francisco Louçã and Miguel Portas (brother of right-wing leader Paulo Portas ).

Leftwing Bloc initially developed as a coalition of left-wing political groups: the Democratic Peoples Union (UDP), Socialist Revolutionary Party (PSR), and Politica XXI . This party has since moved into full party status, yet the constituent groups have maintained their existence and some levels of autonomy, leading to a loose structure. This structure may also provide an umbrella for other interested socialist organizations.

With 8 MPs in the Portuguese assembly after the election of February 20, 2005, and 1 MP in the European Parliament, Left Bloc is the 5th party of Portugal.

As a radical left party the majority of its support comes from colleges and labor unions. At this point Left Bloc is by some seen as an alternative left political party to the older and more established Portuguese Communist Party and the more central left Partido Socialista.

See also

Politics of Portugal, List of political parties in Portugal

External links

Official Website (in Portuguese)