[1] This stood in contrast with the line of the Italian Communist Party and its leader Palmiro Togliatti, which opposed Yugoslav claims to the region.

The pro-Cominform wing was able to retain a majority in the Central Committee (6 against 4), and Vidali became the leader of the party.

Under Vidali's leadership the party began opposing the annexation of the Free Territory by Yugoslavia.

[4] PCTLT was the sole pluriethnical political force in the Free Territory at the time, with a large following amongst both Italian and Slovenian workers.

[6] There was also an Anti-Fascist Youth Union of the Free Territory of Trieste, closely linked to the FGCTLT.