Syriza

Syriza. The Coalition of the Radical Left – Progressive Alliance, commonly known by its Greek acronym, is a major left-wing political party in Greece. Formed as an electoral alliance of various leftist and anti-capitalist groups, it rose to prominence during the Greek government-debt crisis by leading opposition to austerity measures imposed by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund. The party first came to power in January 2015 under the leadership of Alexis Tsipras, forming a coalition government with the right-wing Independent Greeks and later governing alone or in coalition until 2023.

History and formation

The party's origins lie in the 2004 merger of several groups, including the Synaspismos coalition and smaller far-left and ecosocialist parties, aiming to create a unified force against the dominant PASOK and New Democracy. Its early growth was fueled by widespread social movements, such as the 2008 Greek riots and protests against the privatization of public assets. The Greek government-debt crisis proved a pivotal moment, as the party's staunch opposition to the memoranda signed by the governments of George Papandreou and Lucas Papademos resonated with a populace facing severe austerity. This period saw the rise of Alexis Tsipras, who became its president in 2008, leading it to a historic victory in January 2015 and forming a government with the Independent Greeks.

Ideology and political positions

Ideologically, the party is rooted in the traditions of the Greek Left, advocating for democratic socialism, left-wing populism, and progressivism. Its foundational platform strongly opposed the austerity policies of the Troika, advocating for debt restructuring, the reversal of privatizations, and the expansion of the welfare state. On social issues, it supports LGBT rights, secularism, and has passed progressive legislation such as the civil union law. Its stance on foreign policy has often been critical of NATO and supportive of international leftist movements, expressing solidarity with Palestine and maintaining historically complex relations with Russia.

Electoral performance and governance

The party achieved a breakthrough in the May 2012 election, becoming the main opposition party. Its first term in government began after the January 2015 election, though this was marked by the tumultuous 2015 Greek bailout referendum and subsequent acceptance of a new bailout package. After a brief period in opposition following a snap election in September 2015, it returned to govern until its defeat by New Democracy under Kyriakos Mitsotakis in the 2019 election. It served as the primary opposition until the 2023 elections, where it suffered significant losses, leading to the resignation of Alexis Tsipras and the subsequent election of Stefanos Kasselakis as its new president.

Internal structure and factions

The party operates as a coalition or "party of parties," comprising various organized factions and independent members. Major internal groups have included the former dominant "Platform of the Left" led by Alexis Tsipras, the more radical "Left Platform" associated with Panagiotis Lafazanis, which later split to form Popular Unity, and the "Communist Platform." Other significant tendencies are the "Radical Left Front," "Renewal Wing," and "New Left." This structure has led to periodic internal tensions and splits, particularly over agreements with the European Union on economic policy and strategic direction, with debates often centering on the balance between radicalism and governmental pragmatism.

International relations and affiliations

Internationally, the party is a member of the Party of the European Left and its MEPs sit with the European United Left–Nordic Green Left group in the European Parliament. It has cultivated relationships with other left-wing parties in Europe, such as Podemos in Spain, La France Insoumise in France, and Die Linke in Germany. Historically, it maintained a critical stance towards the European Union's economic governance, though this evolved during its time in government. The party has also expressed support for movements in Latin America and has had fluctuating relations with political forces in Russia and China, reflecting its diverse ideological currents.

Category:Political parties in Greece Category:2004 establishments in Greece