The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) has already made a decision on how it will vote on the motion of censure against the government, but has chosen not to reveal this position publicly. Paulo Raimundo, the party leader, stated that the decision is made, but refused to advance any information during Festa do Avante!, the party's annual event.
This position comes in a political context where the PCP maintains its independence from the incumbent Socialist government. The party has been an opposition force to António Costa's executive, although in some circumstances it has supported specific measures.
Festa do Avante! is one of the largest political events in Portugal, held annually by the PCP. During this event, which brings together thousands of supporters, important political announcements and statements are traditionally made by the party leadership.
Paulo Raimundo, by choosing not to reveal the voting intention during Festa do Avante!, maintains the political tension about what the PCP's final position will be on the motion of censure vote, leaving the announcement for a later moment.
