Internal Strife: Critics Blast Left Bloc's Involvement in Controversial November 25th Commemoration

Tensions Rise Within the Left Bloc

Critics are accusing the Left Bloc's leadership of downplaying the "reactionary character" of the November 25th commemoration. They argue, "No discourse can hide the public significance of participating in that act."

ANDRÉ KOSTERS/LUSA

The decision to participate, albeit partially, in the November 25th celebrations has sparked tensions within the Left Bloc. A significant, albeit minority, faction of critics has come forward, accusing the party of "joining the commemoration shamefully" instead of "resisting".

In a statement published on the Convergência movement's website, associated with the critics who backed an alternative motion at the last party convention, they argue that the party should have opted to "mark the field that opposes and resists this offensive" rather than adapt in the name of proximity and desired alliances with the center.

This criticism of the Left Bloc's desire to forge alliances, particularly with the Socialists (PS), is a recurring theme among critics of leader Mariana Mortágua, dating back to the geringonça period. Critics, including historical figures like Mário Tomé and former deputy Pedro Soares, contend that the Left Bloc should have distanced itself from agreements with the PS long ago, accusing the party of developing a "geringoncismo" mentality, defining its political orientation around potential convergences.

The critics view the Left Bloc's participation, even with just one deputy at the solemn session of November 25th, as a sign of this "adaptation". They assert that the PCP (Portuguese Communist Party) opted out entirely, a choice they deem preferable.

In their statement, the critics argue that November 25th "blocked the revolution that brought democracy", rendering participation in this session a "farce". They criticize the notion that the date represents a mere "right-wing intramilitary coup" or lacked "immediate consequences on the political power structure".

The critics believe this "relativization" serves merely to justify the Left Bloc's involvement in the parliamentary commemoration, "helping to minimize the reactionary nature of the coup as desired by the political center".

They contend that "no discourse can mask the public significance of participating in that act, which the entire right and far-right want equated with April 25th", alongside its "persistent effort to neutralize the historical centrality of the PREC for democracy".

The Left Bloc's leadership is accused of whitewashing an alleged "cultural war" promoted by the right. When announcing their decision to participate with just one deputy, parliamentary leader Fabian Figueiredo stated the aim was to "denounce the devaluation of April 25th", pledging to reverse the establishment of this solemn session once the left regains a majority in Parliament.