Inside the PCP's Struggles: Members Reflect on Challenges and Media Criticism

PCP Faces a Challenging Phase

During the 22nd Congress of the PCP held in Almada, party members expressed concerns about the party's current state. Many delegates and guests were hesitant to share their views, but a common sentiment emerged: the media is orchestrating a campaign against the party, affecting its public image.

Vítor Duarte, a 67-year-old retired metalworker and party member, acknowledged the party's struggles but pointed fingers at the media, claiming it has a "atrocious campaign" aimed at undermining the PCP. He lamented that while other parties receive praise for minor actions, the PCP is often sidelined. He also recognized that declining membership contributes to the party's weakened position.

Gonçalo, a 24-year-old student representing the Juventude Comunista Portuguesa (JCP), stated that electoral results weigh heavily on their minds but attributed the blame to a "declared campaign against the party" by large capital interests and the media. He emphasized the need for the party to enhance its recruitment efforts to regain strength.

Clara, another JCP delegate aged 21, echoed the sentiment that the PCP's battle lies with the media. She urged the party to focus on improving its relationship with workers and youth rather than assigning blame for its electoral decline.

Henrique Chester, a 72-year-old who attended the congress as a supporter, found it difficult to blame the party for its electoral losses, insisting that the media's "imbued prejudices" play a significant role in shaping public perception. He believes the party will regain its past relevance, attributing current challenges to societal changes rather than a lack of effective communication.

Despite losing voters over the past year, the PCP kicked off its congress with 1,040 delegates in attendance and a speech from party secretary-general Paulo Raimundo. The party has lost around 2,000 members since 2020, with no increase in new memberships to offset these losses.