Syriza – Progressive Alliance

Syriza – Progressive Alliance is a major left-wing political party in Greece, formed from a coalition of radical left groups. It rose to prominence during the Greek government-debt crisis, leading the Greek opposition to austerity and forming a government in 2015 under Alexis Tsipras. The party has significantly influenced modern Greek politics, navigating periods of governing both in coalition and as the principal opposition force.

History

The party originated as the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA), an alliance founded in 2004 comprising groups like the Synaspismos and smaller far-left and ecosocialist organizations. It gained marginal support until the European financial crisis, when its staunch opposition to the memoranda imposed by the European Commission, the European Central Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (the "Troika") resonated widely. Following a strong second-place finish in the 2012 elections, it officially transformed into a unified party. Its historic victory in the January 2015 Greek legislative election brought Alexis Tsipras to the office of Prime Minister of Greece, leading to contentious negotiations with the Eurogroup and the controversial 2015 Greek bailout referendum. After a split and the departure of the Popular Unity faction, Syriza returned to government following the September 2015 Greek legislative election. It served as the official opposition after losing the 2019 Greek legislative election to New Democracy and experienced a further electoral setback in the 2023 Greek legislative election.

Ideology and political positions

Syriza's platform is rooted in democratic socialism, left-wing populism, and progressivism, advocating for the dismantling of austerity policies and promoting social justice. The party is characterized by its critical pro-European stance, supporting the European Union while challenging its neoliberal economic framework. Key policy positions have included debt restructuring, reversing privatizations, raising the minimum wage, and strengthening welfare state protections. It supports LGBT rights, environmental protection, and has taken a firm stance against the Golden Dawn party. Its ideological spectrum has historically included factions from Eurocommunism to more radical anti-capitalism and Marxism.

Electoral performance

Syriza first entered the Hellenic Parliament in 2004 with a small delegation. Its electoral breakthrough came during the crisis, securing 26.9% in the June 2012 Greek legislative election. It won government with 36.3% in January 2015 and, after a political turmoil, 35.5% in September 2015. In the 2019 European election, it was narrowly defeated by New Democracy, a result mirrored in the subsequent national election where it received 31.5%. The May 2023 Greek legislative election saw its share drop to 20.1%, and it fell to 17.8% in the June 2023 Greek legislative election, cementing its position as the second-largest party but with a significant gap from the governing party.

Leadership and internal structure

The party's founding and most prominent leader was Alexis Tsipras, who served as President of Syriza from 2008 until 2023. In September 2023, Stefanos Kasselakis was elected president in an open membership vote, marking a significant generational shift. The party's supreme body is the Central Committee, with the Political Secretariat managing day-to-day affairs. Major internal factions have included the "53+" group, the "Left Platform" (which later formed Popular Unity), and the "Unity" faction. The party is a member of the Party of the European Left and its MEPs sit with The Left in the European Parliament – GUE/NGL.

Government and opposition record

During its first government in 2015, Syriza, in coalition with the Independent Greeks, clashed with the Eurogroup over austerity, culminating in the imposition of capital controls and ultimately accepting a third bailout package. Key legislative acts included the 2015 Greek bailout referendum and a controversial agreement with North Macedonia known as the Prespa agreement. Its tenure oversaw the end of the bailout programs in 2018. In opposition since 2019, it has criticized the Kyriakos Mitsotakis government on issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic response, the cost of living crisis, the Tempi train crash, and alleged surveillance scandals involving the National Intelligence Service.

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