The Left in the European Parliament has long been a source of influence and change for the European Union and its citizens. The European Parliament is composed of 751 members from all 28 EU Member States. The political groups of the European Parliament are determined by the political affiliations of the elected members, and the Left is one of the major political groups.
What is the Left?
The Left is a broad political movement that encompasses many ideologies, but it is generally united by a common commitment to social justice, equality, and solidarity. It is often referred to as the “progressive” side of politics, and is generally in favor of redistributive policies, such as higher taxes on the wealthy and more public spending on social services. It is also typically in favor of environmental protection, civil liberties, and other forms of social reform.
The Left in the European Parliament
The Left in the European Parliament is represented by the European United Left/Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL) group, which is made up of 54 MEPs from across the continent. It is the smallest of the eight political groups in the European Parliament, but it is nonetheless an influential voice in the EU. The GUE/NGL is committed to social justice, solidarity, and equality, and it works to promote progressive policies in the European Union. It is also an outspoken critic of austerity measures, free trade agreements, and other neoliberal policies.
The GUE/NGL is composed of several different political parties from across Europe, including the French Communist Party, the Greek Syriza, and the Spanish Podemos. These parties share a commitment to progressive policies, and they work together to ensure that the voice of the Left is heard in the European Parliament.
The Impact of the Left
The Left has had a significant impact on the European Union and its policies. The GUE/NGL has been successful in blocking or weakening proposals that it believes are detrimental to social justice, such as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The Left has also been successful in promoting progressive policies, such as the creation of a European-wide minimum wage and the protection of workers’ rights.
The Future of the Left
The Left in the European Parliament is likely to remain an important force in the EU for the foreseeable future. As the EU continues to face economic, political, and social challenges, the Left will continue to be a voice for progressive policies and social justice. The GUE/NGL will continue to fight for a more just, equitable, and sustainable European Union.
Conclusion
The Left in the European Parliament has been a powerful force for social justice and progressive policies in the EU. It has successfully fought for workers’ rights, environmental protection, and other progressive causes. The GUE/NGL will continue to be an influential voice in the European Union for years to come.