Portugal's Communist party has struck a historic deal with the country's Socialists and radical Left in a bid to assume power and overthrow the incumbent centre-right after just 11 days.

After weeks of negotiations, the anti-EU Communists have resolved their differences to form a "triple Left" coalition that will topple the government of Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho when a parliamentary vote of confidence is held on Tuesday.

A statement on the party's website said “conditions are in place” to bring an end to the nascent minority government. Between them, the Communists, Socialists and Left Bloc would have a 51pc parliamentary majority.

President Anibal Cavaco Silva could now be forced into a humiliating climbdown when the minority government is set to fall on Tuesday.

He has warned that Portugal risks becoming "ungovernable" and urged Leftist forces to respect the terms of Portugal's EU membership.

bbabo.Net