Portugal's Left Bloc reaffirms backing for government despite vote

Portugal's Left Bloc (BE) party leader Catarina Martins talks during a biweekly debate at the parliament in Lisbon, Portugal September 22, 2016. REUTERS/Rafael Marchante

LISBON (Reuters) - The leader of Portugal's Left Bloc, the main ally of the minority Socialist government in parliament, played down recent differences with the administration in an interview published on Tuesday, saying the alliance is to last the entire legislature.

Parliament is set to deliver the first defeat to the government on Wednesday when it is due to vote on a measure cutting the social security tax companies pay on the minimum wage. The vote could expose cracks in the government's alliance with the far left, who have vowed to vote against.