The MAS (Movimento Alternativa Socialista – Socialist Alternative Movement) is a new party founded in Portugal in March 2012. Once it appeared it immediately implemented the necessary procedures to achieve its legalization, in accordance with the legislation of its country.

In 2012 we celebrate the 38th anniversary of the latest revolution in Western Europe, the Portuguese revolution of 1974-75. But this is not one more anniversary. This is the moment in history when the achievements of Portuguese revolution are being threatened the most.

At a festive rally, attended by over 300 people, the foundation of Alternative Socialist Movement (MAS) was announced. It stems out of members of the Left Block to which the trend Ruptura/Fer used to belong. The rally was held on Saturday 10 March in the Worker’s Voice in Lisbon. 

If someone had lived in Portugal five years ago, had been absent and were to return, they would find it difficult to recognise the country. The social structures have been destroyed for example the former middle class now struggle on 600 euro (roughly £500) a month in the most precarious work situations. 

Many young people and workers are asking themselves: why is it necessary one more left-wing party? There have already been enough parties. Haven’t they? The PS, PC, the Left Bloc (BE)[1] and even the MRPP (Maoist) or the PAN (environmentalists) is not sufficient? Maybe a new Left-wing party will split the already split Left? Won’t it? Isn’t it true that the Right-wing parties will benefit from this situation? This article aims at clarifying the reasons why we advocate that, in fact, the current parties are not satisfactory and that we need a real alternative and socialist movement.

Karl Marx wrote in The Capital: "The accumulation of capital through the public debt means nothing other than (...) the growth of a group of creditors of the State who are authorized to collect for themselves a part of the amount of taxes (...). These facts show that an accumulation of debt becomes an accumulation of capital”.