European Left Party: A Double Boost

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The European Left Party’s practical value is measured by whether the decisions taken in Brussels lead to concrete action.

By Uwe Sattler, Brussels

The European Left (EL) party congress at the weekend was remarkable in two respects. On the one hand, delegates from more than 40 left-wing and left-green parties adopted a modernised programme with which they intend to reshape European politics in the coming years. Alongside the ‘classics’ such as the struggle for peace and against social cuts, there is an increased focus on issues such as feminism, intergenerational justice, affordable culture for all, and fair working conditions in the digital economy. These are issues that will become even more pressing in the coming years and demand clear positions from the left.

On the other hand, the long-overdue renewal of leadership structures and decision-making mechanisms has been set in motion. Even if the aim of having a dual leadership comprising a woman and a man has not – yet – been achieved, the collective leadership that has been agreed upon could make the EL more effective. After all, the Executive Board now includes representatives from all member parties, who are thus obliged to act in a genuinely European manner and not merely view ‘Europe’ as a sidekick to national action.

It remains to be seen whether this double boost will work. The EL has yet to reach the wider European public with its issues – even though the issues and struggles are virtually identical across all countries. Only when the Brussels document is translated into concrete action at European level will the European Left Party have proven its worth.

Here are some photos from the 8th EL Congress