The second and final day of the 14th Bloco de Esquerda Convention commenced at the Casal Vistoso Municipal Pavilion in Lisbon around 9:20 a.m., featuring numerous speeches from party members that focused on internal affairs and the party’s political message.
Former parliamentarian José Maria Cardoso expressed regret over calls from fellow members for “heads to roll,” stating that such actions are not representative of left-wing values but instead of “disloyalty to leftist principles.”
Cardoso, who previously chaired the Parliamentary Committee on Environment, Energy, and Territorial Planning, highlighted that coordinator Mariana Mortágua had endured the “most sordid personal attack” witnessed in post-April 25th democracy, acknowledging that there had been “errors along the way” but emphasized the need to reflect and learn from mistakes.
“It’s nothing new. We need to reflect and learn from all mistakes. But why don’t we talk about the many assertive things we have done? About the journey we have built, our ability to be assertive in creating what we are, and advancing debates in Portuguese society that otherwise would not occur or would take much longer,” he added.
The member also called for greater integration of the party at the municipal level, suggesting the establishment of a “new approach” locally through the creation of an informational “guide” on how to engage in municipal interventions.
Following the former deputy, Joana Neiva, a new candidate for the National Committee, strongly encouraged party mobilization, particularly among grassroots members.
“When we stop believing it’s possible, that’s when defeat becomes permanent. Let’s organize, mobilize. BE isn’t something we wait for; it’s something we make happen,” she challenged.
Earlier, other members like Tiago Castelhano argued that BE “must speak to the people” broadly and not only to “those who vote for Livre or PCP,” while Sandrina Espiridião urged members to focus on the ideas that led to the party’s existence, such as advocating for a “more just and equal society against capitalism, whether wild or liberal.”
Member Gil Ribeiro stressed the importance of opinion diversity within the party, stating that “uniformity isn’t a rule but a flaw,” while Sonia Miceli lamented the near absence of immigrants in party leadership roles.
The voting for the National Committee and the Rights Committee members continues this morning, with Convention delegates choosing from lists presented by four of the five motions discussed at the general meeting. Ballots will remain open until noon.
