The European Left Alliance for the Planet and the People is a new platform that aims to unite leftist parties in Europe. Launched in September, the alliance includes members and observers from parties such as La France insoumise, Podemos, and Vänsterpartiet. The alliance prioritizes social and gender equality, ambitious green policies, and the defense of workers’, women’s, and LGBT rights. It seeks to provide an alternative to the neoliberal forces in the EU and create a green left alliance fit for the 21st century.
The founding members of the European Left Alliance for the Planet and the People are divided on the issue of military aid to Ukraine. While the alliance condemns Russia’s invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine and supports Ukraine’s right to defend itself, there are differences in opinions within the alliance on the best path to peace. Some parties, such as those from the Nordic countries, strongly favor sending military aid to Ukraine, while others, like Spain’s Podemos, advocate for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to avoid direct confrontation between nuclear powers.
The European Left Alliance for the Planet and the People does not intend to create a new group in the European Parliament but rather serve as an open cooperation platform for leftist parties. It currently comprises seven parties and 18 MEPs, with discussions ongoing for other parties, such as the Greens and Socialists, to join the alliance. The alliance aims to unite the left and provide a platform for political forces previously unallied to parties, such as the Swedish.
The alliance’s position on geopolitical issues has been described as an “anti-NATO coalition” by Manon Aubry from La France Insoumise. The alliance seeks to provide an alternative proposal to the EU defence system, which is currently aligned with NATO principles and objectives. The alliance is vocal in its opposition to Ursula von der Leyen’s coalition, accusing the Greens and the Socialists of forming the most far-right commission in history and criticizing S&D’s support for policies such as free trade agreements and reduced climate ambition.
The European Left Alliance for the Planet and the People presented its priorities in the European Parliament, highlighting its commitment to social and gender equality, ambitious green policies, and the defense of workers’, women’s, and LGBT rights. The alliance seeks to provide an alternative to the neoliberal forces in the EU and create a green left alliance suitable for the 21st century. With members and observers from various leftist parties across Europe, the alliance aims to reunite the left and attract political forces previously untied to parties.
The alliance’s stance on the war in Ukraine reflects a division within the founding members over the issue of military aid. While the alliance supports Ukraine’s right to defend itself and condemns Russia’s invasion, there are differences in opinions on the best path to peace. However, the alliance is united in its opposition to the current EU defense system, which aligns with NATO principles, and is committed to providing an alternative proposal. Overall, the alliance aims to provide a platform for leftist parties in Europe to come together and work towards a more progressive and inclusive future.
