Carlos Alberto do Vale Gomes Carvalhas, GCC (born in São Pedro do Sul, 9 November 1941) is a Portuguese economist and politician[1] and former Secretary-General of the Portuguese Communist Party (1993–2004), succeeding the historical leader Álvaro Cunhal.

[2] He was born to António José Bandeira Carvalhas (Baiões, São Pedro do Sul, 22 April 1915 – 4 February 1999) and Esmeraldina do Céu Gomes Quaresma (b. Moldes, Arouca, 9 July 1917).

His father was a businessman and owner of the warehouse Discomer that served as a food retailer for the local shops.

He was a deputy of the Assembly of the Republic for two time periods[3] and was a candidate for the Portuguese presidency in 1991, where he received 635,373 votes (12.92%).

He was replaced by Jerónimo de Sousa on 27 November 2004, at the 17th Congress of the PCP.