Coalition of the Left, of Movements and Ecology

Coalition of the Left, of Movements and Ecology is a major left-wing political party in Greece, formed as the electoral successor to the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA). It rose to prominence during the Greek government-debt crisis, leading the opposition to the memorandum policies of the New Democracy and PASOK governments. The party formed the first left-wing government in modern Greek history after its victory in the January 2015 Greek legislative election, with its leader Alexis Tsipras serving as Prime Minister of Greece until 2019.

History

The party was officially founded in June 2012, transforming from a coalition of groups into a unified party following its breakthrough performance in the May 2012 legislative elections. Its historic victory in the January 2015 Greek legislative election brought Alexis Tsipras to power, leading a government that engaged in intense negotiations with the European Commission, the European Central Bank, and the International Monetary Fund—collectively known as the Troika. This period was defined by the Greek bailout referendum, 2015 and the subsequent signing of a third bailout agreement. After losing power to New Democracy in the July 2019 Greek legislative election, it has served as the primary opposition. In 2023, Stefanos Kasselakis was elected leader following an internal party election.

Political profile and ideology

The party's platform is rooted in democratic socialism, progressivism, and eco-socialism, advocating for the rollback of austerity measures, protection of welfare state institutions, and enhancement of workers' rights. It maintains a critical but pro-European stance, supporting deeper integration within the European Union while opposing neoliberal policies. Its ideological framework is influenced by various New Left movements, feminist theories, and environmental activism, positioning it within the broader Party of the European Left and the Progressive International.

Electoral performance

The party achieved its highest vote share (36.3%) in the January 2015 Greek legislative election, winning 149 seats in the Hellenic Parliament. It formed a coalition government with the ANEL party. Its support declined in subsequent elections, securing 31.5% in the September 2015 Greek legislative election and 23.8% in the June 2023 Greek legislative election, where it won 36 seats. In the 2014 European elections, it won 6 seats, which reduced to 4 following the 2019 election.

Leadership and structure

The party is led by a President, elected by the membership, with Stefanos Kasselakis serving as the current leader since September 2023. The central decision-making body is the Political Committee, elected during the party congress. Major factions within the party have historically included the Left Platform, the '53+' faction, and the Communist Tendency, reflecting its origins as a coalition of diverse groups. The party's youth wing is known as SYRIZA Youth.

Member parties and organizations

The original coalition comprised numerous political groups and independent activists. Key founding components included the Coalition of the Left and Progress (SYN), the Renewing Communist Ecological Left (AKOA), the Internationalist Workers' Left (DEA), and the Active Citizens movement. Other significant participants were the Movement for the Unity in Action of the Left (KEDA), the Communist Organization of Greece (KOE), and the Radical Left Front. Many of these entities were dissolved or integrated during the party's unification process, though some, like the Popular Unity party, splintered off.