What is Synaspismos?

Synaspismos is a new Left Party, which was founded in June 1992. Its name ôSynaspismosö (Coalition) has been retained from its previous structure, which was a coalition -formed in 1989- of Left and progressive parties and groups. The transformation was decided in 1991, after the CP of Greece (KKE) split from the Coalition.

Synaspismos identifies itself with the ideas and values of democratic socialism, ecology, feminism and anti-militarism. It believes in pluralism and considers the defense of human rights non-negotiable.

The PartyÆs regular Congress is held every three years, electing a Central Political Committee (CPC). The CPC elects the Party President and a Political Secretariat. On major issues the party members decide directly (e.g. the lists for national and European elections are composed through secret ballot among the members).

In December 1993 Synaspismos held an extraordinary Congress which elected Nicos Constantopoulos, a prominent lawyer and human rights activist as its President. In March 1996 he was re-elected President by the 2nd Congress.

The Party is closely related with the Left Youth League (EAN).

Parliamentary representation

Since its foundation the SYN has contested two general elections. In October 1993 it failed to win representation in the National Parliament by 0.06% (the barrier was 3% and it got 2.94% and 203.000 votes). But in the September 1996 elections SYNASPISMOS returned to our national parliament with strong presence, i.e. 5.11% of the vote and 10 MPs.

Synaspismos' MPs: First row -right to left: Nicos CONSTANTOPOULOS, President of SYNASPISMOS, Fotis KOUVELIS, Giannis DRAGASAKIS, Andriane (Nitsa) LOULE, Petros KOUNALAKIS Second row - right to left: Spiros DANELLIS, Moustafa MOUSTAFA, Evangelos APOSTOLOU, Stella ALFIERI, Maria DAMANAKI

In Euro-parliamentary elections the party won 6.2% (408.000 votes) and elected 2 members to the European Parliament (Greece has 25 MEPs) in June 1994 and in June 1999 it re-elected its two MEPs with 5.2% of the vote.

SYNASPISMOS Members of the European Parliament are: Alecos ALAVANOS and Michalis PAPAGIANNAKIS

Strong presence in local Government and social field

In the last elections for Prefectures and Municipalities (October 1998) SYNASPISMOS sustained its status as third party in terms of representation in local government.

Synaspismos has a strong presence in the social field as well. It has high level representation in all major trade unions and social movements - feminist organizations, antiracist societies, environmental action, drug-fighting groups and all NGOs