The Left in the European Parliament – GUE/NGL

The Left in the European Parliament – GUE/NGL. It is a left-wing to far-left political group in the European Parliament, formed from the merger of two previous groups. The group advocates for democratic socialism, environmental justice, and radical reform of the European Union's institutions. It brings together MEPs from various member states, including parties from the Party of the European Left and unaffiliated radical left movements.

History and formation

The group was officially constituted on 6 January 1995, following the 1994 European Parliament election, as the Confederal Group of the European United Left–Nordic Green Left. This merger united the older Communist and Allies Group with the Nordic Green Left alliance, which included parties like the Left Alliance (Finland) and the Socialist Left Party (Norway). Its formation was a strategic response to the Treaty of Maastricht and the expansion of the European Union eastward after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Key historical figures in its early development included Francis Wurtz of the French Communist Party and Jens-Peter Bonde from the June Movement in Denmark.

Political position and ideology

The group occupies the left-wing to far-left spectrum of the European Parliament, promoting a platform of anti-capitalism and alter-globalization. Its core ideologies encompass democratic socialism, eco-socialism, and feminism, with a strong emphasis on social justice and peace activism. It is critically supportive of the European Union project, advocating for its democratic transformation, and is often characterized as soft Eurosceptic. The group strongly opposes austerity measures, NATO expansion, and neoliberalism, as outlined in documents like the Lisbon Strategy.

Member parties and composition

The group is composed of a diverse coalition of national parties and independent members. Major delegations include La France Insoumise from France, Die Linke from Germany, and the Communist Party of Greece. Other significant members are the Portuguese Communist Party, the Spanish Left Front, and the Party of the European Left. It also includes non-aligned parties such as the Irish Sinn Féin and the Dutch Socialist Party, as well as individual MEPs from Cyprus and the Czech Republic. The composition reflects a blend of traditional communist parties and newer social movements.

Leadership and organisation

The group is led by two Co-Presidents, a structure reflecting its confederal nature. The current Co-Presidents are Manon Aubry of La France Insoumise and Martin Schirdewan of Die Linke. Day-to-day operations are managed by a Bureau and a Secretariat based in the Brussels parliament buildings. The group coordinates its work through various thematic working groups and maintains close ties with associated political foundations like the Transform Europe network. Previous leaders have included Gabriele Zimmer and Lothar Bisky.

Electoral results and representation

Following the 2019 European Parliament election, the group held 41 seats, making it the fifth-largest group in the European Parliament. Its representation declined slightly after the 2024 European Parliament election, currently standing at 36 MEPs. Historically, its strongest electoral performances have been in countries like Greece, where the Communist Party of Greece and Syriza have polled well, and in Portugal with the Portuguese Communist Party. The group's performance is often influenced by broader political trends, such as the aftermath of the European debt crisis and the rise of populism.

Policy priorities and activities

The group's legislative activities focus on opposing austerity, championing a Green New Deal, and strengthening workers' rights across the European Union. It is a vocal advocate for migrant rights, Palestinian statehood, and the dissolution of NATO. Key policy initiatives include pushing for a Financial Transaction Tax, demanding the cancellation of sovereign debt for southern Eurozone countries, and campaigning for the European Citizens' Initiative. The group frequently organizes protests and hearings, such as those against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement and in solidarity with Julian Assange. Category:Political groups of the European Parliament Category:Left-wing political groups in Europe