Roman Broszkowski is a freelance writer covering Eastern Europe.
Six left-wing parties from central-eastern Europe have formed a new alliance. They’re united by opposition to right-wing populists and Russian imperialism — but they’re also challenging the center-left parties who led the region’s neoliberal turn.
The broad opposition won Poland’s recent election, ousting the far-right incumbents. Left-wing alliance Lewica expects a junior role in the next government — but it must use its influence to avoid the failures of past neoliberal administrations.
Last April, Hungary’s opposition alliance united socialists, liberals, and conservatives in a common front against Viktor Orbán. But it was crushed at the ballot box — showing that the Left needs to bring voters material gains, not just an anti-Orbán message.
This weekend’s Czech election shows the weakness of a Left that was once among Europe’s strongest. As the socially conservative base of the old Communist and Socialist Parties withers, a revived left has to relate to the modern working class.