New left alliance on horizon in European Parliament

In a recent interview with Euractiv, Czech Member of European Parliament (MEP) Ondřej Dostál revealed that a new left-wing faction could be formed within the European Parliament in the coming year. This development comes as various left-leaning parties across Europe seek to unite under a common banner, focusing on traditional left values such as workers' rights, peace, and economic stability.

Dostál, who represents the Czech coalition of four extra-parliamentary left and far-left political forces known as STA ILO!, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming coordination meeting with German and Slovak counterparts. The meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, September 11, will bring together representatives from STA ILO!, the German party "Sára Wagenknechtová's Union - For Reason and Justice," and the Slovak Smer - SD.

As Dostál noted, "We can, at the very least, combine the efforts of our political delegations in terms of voting opinions, common positions, and expert cooperation on special issues."

While the formation of an official faction requires a minimum of 25 MEPs from seven EU member states, Dostál remains confident that this goal is attainable. The parties currently involved in the alliance have a combined total of 13 MEPs, and Dostál hinted at potential partners from the "European South" who could help them reach the necessary threshold.