The Portuguese Labour Party (PTP) has expressed sorrow over the death of Leonel Nunes, a former CDU deputy and PCP leader. In a released message, PTP leader José Manuel Coelho recalled the influence the historic unionist had on his political development.
"When I was in the Communist Party in 1978, Leonel Nunes was already there, engaged in the struggle of the Hotel Workers' Union," Coelho stated, highlighting Nunes' role in removing the old union leadership inherited from the Estado Novo. "With his heroic struggle, Leonel Nunes gave it back to the workers," he affirmed.
Coelho acknowledged owing part of his political experience and class consciousness to the former communist deputy. "If it weren't for Comrade Leonel's influence, I wouldn't have the experience I have today nor the class consciousness I have today," he admitted. The tribute concluded with a quote attributed to Bertolt Brecht about people who fight their whole lives and become indispensable: "Such was Leonel Nunes!". The PTP also extended condolences to Nunes' family, friends, and the Portuguese Communist Party.
