Statement by the Portuguese Communist Party 's Press Office

Translated "Avante!" article by Jorge Cadima, Member of the PCP International Department

The Portuguese Communist Party Central Committee met on 5 May 2013 to analyse developments in the economic and social situation (worsening recession and a deteriorating social situation), as well as the political and institutional crisis that has arisen as a result of the Cabinet's actions. Sidestepping the law and operating against the Constitution, the Cabinet has been jeopardising the normal operation of state institutions, amid the full complicity of the President of the Republic, who in turn is acting counter to his own Constitutional responsibilities and duties. In addition, the Central Committee debated and set out the major guidelines for the PCP's political work, with a view to urgently obtaining the Cabinet's dismissal, a call to fresh elections, a rejection of the Aggression Pact and a defeat for right-wing policies, as well as the establishment of a patriotic and left-wing policy and Cabinet. The Central Committee discussed the mass struggles, and the measures to be taken to develop them, as well as establishing the key tasks to be undertaken in preparation for the local government elections, and in organisationally strengthening the PCP.