Marxist-Leninist unrepentant pro-Soviet party founded by Spanish Civil War general Enrique Líster after he split from the Communist Party of Spain (PCE) over its leader Santiago Carrillo's qualified support for the Soviet Union. Líster reintegrated the PCOE in the PCE after Carrillo's ouster in 1985. His act however upset many in the party rank and file who decided to maintain the PCOE's independence. Party's secretary general is Francisco Barjas [Partido Comunista Obrero Español (PCOE)].