The Party of the European Left is navigating a significant ideological and structural shift.

Countries & Cities · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 2004 to unite democratic socialist and communist forces across Europe, the Party of the European Left now faces internal fragmentation. As it balances its anti-capitalist roots with modern political realities, a recent schism highlights the growing tension between traditional left-wing platforms and emerging, green-leaning, pro-Ukraine political movements.

The Party of the European Left (PEL) was established in Rome on May 8–9, 2004, as a coalition of socialist and communist parties. Its formation was preceded by collaborative efforts like the New European Left Forum. Over the last two decades, the party has maintained a consistent presence in European politics, operating a think tank called Transform Europe and a women's wing, EL-Fem. Leadership has rotated through several prominent figures, including Fausto Bertinotti, Gregor Gysi, and currently, Walter Baier, who has served as president since December 2022.

Ideologically, the PEL is characterized by its opposition to capitalism, militarization, and foreign interventionism. It maintains a soft Eurosceptic stance, with President Walter Baier describing the European Union as neoliberal and closer to enlightened absolutism than a true parliamentary democracy. Despite these core principles, the party encompasses a wide spectrum of opinions. This diversity has recently been tested by external pressures and internal disagreements, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine and the role of green politics.

In 2024, the Danish Red-Green Alliance announced a split from the PEL to form the European Left Alliance for the People and the Planet. This move reflects broader shifts within the European left, mirroring divisions seen in Germany between Die Linke and the socially conservative BSW. As of October 2024, the PEL retains 25 member parties across 20 countries. While it continues to receive European public funding, it must now navigate a landscape where member parties are increasingly seeking alternative platforms that prioritize different geopolitical and environmental agendas.

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