Zita Seabra Portuguese politician and journalist Date of Birth: 25.05.1949 Country: Portugal

1. Zita Seabra: Political Activist and Journalist
2. Early Life and Communist Activism
3. Parliamentary Career with PCP
4. Break with the Communist Party
5. Anti-Communist Stance
6. Return to Parliament and Cultural Roles
7. Current Activism
8. Personal Life

Zita Seabra: Political Activist and Journalist

Zita Seabra is a prominent Portuguese political figure and journalist who has held various positions throughout her career.

Early Life and Communist Activism

Born into an engineer's family, Seabra joined the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) at the age of 17. For eight years, until 1974, she lived underground as a member of the communist resistance movement. Following the Carnation Revolution, she led the Communist Student Union.

Parliamentary Career with PCP

From 1980 to 1987, Seabra served as a member of the Portuguese Parliament for the PCP. She focused on advocating for women's rights and introduced a bill to legalize abortion. She was also involved in the creation of the Green Party, which became a junior partner to the communists.

Break with the Communist Party

Inspired by Gorbachev's perestroika, Seabra began to push for ideological renewal and reform within the PCP. This stance drew opposition from the party's Stalinist majority. In 1988, she was removed from the party's Central Committee.

In 1990, Seabra was expelled from the PCP. Her book, "The Name of Things: Reflections in a Time of Change," criticized party dogmatism and was republished seven times.

Anti-Communist Stance

After her expulsion from the PCP, Seabra joined the liberal Social Democratic Party (PSD). She has since taken a staunch anti-communist stance, criticizing both the traditional PCP under Álvaro Cunhal and the contemporary left-wing coalition.

Return to Parliament and Cultural Roles

Elected as an MP for the PSD in 2005, Seabra served as vice-chair of the parliamentary group and deputy leader of the party from 2007-2009. She has also held leadership roles in the Portuguese Film Institute, the municipality of Vila Franca de Xira, and Bertrand publishing house.

Current Activism

In recent years, Seabra has expressed concern over "Muslim penetration" in Europe. She has also supported the Defense of the Portuguese Language movement against orthographic reform.

Personal Life

Seabra was married to Carlos Brito, a prominent PCP figure, and had two daughters. After their divorce in 1983, she married physician João Guimarães, with whom she had a son.