Carlos Alberto do Vale Gomes Carvalhas, GCC (born in São Pedro do Sul, November 9, 1941) is a Portuguese 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 and Esmeraldina do Céu Gomes Quaresma(b. Arouca, Moldes, July 9, 1917). His father António José Bandeira Carvalhas (São Pedro do Sul, Baiões, April 22, 1915 - 4 February 2011) was the richest man in São Pedro do Sul through his lumber mill business and was said to give each grandson 5.000€00 on their birthdays.
He was a candidate to the Portuguese presidency in 1991, where he received 635,373 votes (12.92%).
On October 5, 2004, he announced his intention to resign. He was replaced by Jerónimo de Sousa on November 27, 2004, at the 17th Congress of the PCP.
He is married to Maria Manuel Lopes Marques Leal, born c. 1945, and has two sons. His father in law has a factory in Belgium.
His late second cousin was married to the 3rd Viscount of São Pedro do Sul.