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Leftwing Block (Portuguese: Bloco de Esquerda) is a Portuguese left-wing political party founded in 1999. Notable members include Fernando Rosas and Francisco Louçã.
Leftwing Block 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 3 MPs in the Portuguese assembly, and 1 MP in the European Parliament Left Block is considered 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 Block is an alternative left political party to the older and more established Portugal Communist Party and the more central left Partido Socialista. However the rather young Leftwing Block has proven to be vibrant and growing in the Portuguese political arena.
See also
Politics of Portugal, List of political parties in Portugal
External links
Official Website (http://www.bloco.org) (in Portuguese)
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