At the time of the 1976 elections PCP(M-L) launched the slogan "For Independence, For Democracy, For Social Progress!

)[citation needed] In May 1974 the general secretary of the Communist Party of Portugal (Marxist–Leninist) (in Portuguese: Partido Comunista de Portugal (Marxista-Leninista)) was expelled, forming his own similarly-named party.

[citation needed] PCP(M-L) claimed that after the Carnation Revolution, the main threat to Portugal came from social fascism (represented through PCP leader Álvaro Cunhal) and Soviet social imperialism.

[citation needed] On November 17, 1974, Vilar's party launched the Worker-Peasant Alliance (AOC).

[citation needed] It led the Democratic Portugal-China Friendship Association (ADAP-C).