This chapter offers an overview of the evolution of the Portuguese left (centre-left and radical left) since the democratic transition (1974–1982) until the present time. By analysing the centre-left and the radical left parties’ strategies and agenda from 25 April 1974 to the revolutionary period we present the genetic underpinnings of the existing governmental schism within the Portuguese left. In the first section of the chapter, we analyse the cleavage structures and the dimensions of policy competition in Portuguese society and in the Portuguese political system, to locate the different left-wing parties within them. In the second section, we analyse how the Great Recession contributed to overcoming the governmental schism among the Portuguese left. In the third and final section, we offer a sort of epilogue with up-to-date information, namely in terms of coalition politics on the left, considering current developments.

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Centre left,Radical left,Coalition politics,Great Recession,Political change