"It's Time for the Left to Discuss Local and National Elections"
Portuguese Left-Wing Parties Advocate Dialogue and Alliances Ahead of Upcoming Elections
In a meeting of the National Board, the highest decision-making body among Portuguese left-wing parties, Marianne Mortágua, leader of the Left Bloc (BE), emphasized the importance of dialogue and unity in the face of the current political landscape. The comments were made following the right-wing Democratic Alliance's victory in October's early legislative elections.
According to Mortágua, the urgency of dialogue is essential to counteract potential constitutional revisions by extreme right-wing factions. She warned that such changes could have detrimental effects on critical institutions like the National Health Service, public education, and the Welfare State.
Beyond these immediate concerns, Mortágua highlighted the importance of discussions about the 2026 presidential elections. She emphasized that left-wing parties must put forth a strong, unified candidate with values such as humanism, democracy, and respect for human rights at the forefront of their campaign.
Ahead of these elections, local elections scheduled for September or October 2023 remain a significant challenge. Mortágua continued to urge left-wing parties to form alliances in order to elect left-wing representatives and demonstrate the practical benefits of progressive policies.
These discussions are ongoing, Mortágua asserted, and should be intensified to ensure the left presents a viable, capable alternative in the local elections. She also revealed that BE is in dialogue with the Livre and PAN parties for potential convergence projects in the next local elections.
The Left Bloc views the results of the October 18 elections with concern and has indicated a willingness to engage in an internal debate to address the causes of their decline. They acknowledge the complexity of this process, which requires time, humility, openness, and a collective approach to finding solutions.
The ongoing rightward shift in Portuguese politics necessitates left-wing parties' efforts to maintain political relevance. By forming alliances and presenting a coherent alternative, the Left can potentially address voter fatigue and exert more influence on crucial policy areas like housing, healthcare, and defense.
By focusing on core issues such as workers' rights, rent caps, and social welfare, left-wing parties can regain voter support and build alliances around these topics. In addition, a renewed emphasis on transparent leadership and messaging could help appeal to both old and new voters, providing a united front against the right.
[1] "The decline of radical left parties in Portugal: a tale of austerity, luck, and discontent," Democratization, 2021
[2] "The Rise of the Right in Portugal: An Analysis of the 2019 General Election," Porto Business School Research Papers, 2020
[3] ""Chega" and the Rise of the Far Right in Portugal," Studies in Political Economy, 2021
[4] "VoterFatigue: a new dimension of the contemporary political discontent," Journal of Elections, Public Opinion and Parties, 2021
- What's the LEFT Bloc's stance on upcoming policy-and-legislation and politics, following the right-wing's victory in October's elections? They are advocating for dialogue, alliances, and a united front to counteract potential constitutional revisions and present a viable alternative in general-news issues like housing, healthcare, and defense.
- Could the LEFT Bloc's strategy for the 2023 local elections involve cooperation with the Livre and PAN parties, as they engage in ongoing dialogue to build alliances around issues like workers' rights, rent caps, and social welfare, aiming to regain voter support and appeal to both old and new voters?
