Who are the Progressive Left?
Supporters of the Progressive Left advocate for a blend of two overarching political strategies: progressive social policies and left-wing economics.
More specifically, common areas of interest for those of the Progressive Left include; tackling economic inequality, first-nations rights, the climate-crisis, foreign aid, grassroots democracy, environmentalism, peace and non-violence, human rights, universal healthcare & education, the rights of asylum seekers, future technology, renewable energy, science & innovation, arts & music, gun control, drug law reform, among others.
ProgressiveLeft.net provides analysis and discussion of Progressive Left-wing politics, policies, and parties worldwide.
Examples of Progressive Left-wing Parties and Individuals
Australia & New Zealand
- The Australian Greens
- Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand
England, Wales, Scotland, & Ireland
- Green Party of England and Wales
- Jeremy Corbyn (UK Labour Leader 2015-2020)
- Scottish Green Party
- Green Party of Ireland
Germany
- Bündnis 90/Die Grünen (Alliance 90/The Greens)
United States of America
- Bernie Sanders
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Green Party of the United States
A Brief History of the Progressive Left
The history of progressive left-wing parties can be traced back to the early 20th century, when socialist and labor movements started gaining traction in various countries. These parties aimed to address social and economic inequalities, advocate for workers' rights, and promote environmental sustainability.
One of the prominent examples of a progressive left-wing party is the Australian Greens. The party was officially formed in 1992, although its origins can be traced back to the United Tasmania Group, which was established in the early 1970s. The Australian Greens emerged as a result of the merger between the Greens Western Australia and the Green Party of Tasmania.
The party's platform focuses on environmental sustainability, social justice, grassroots democracy, and peace. The Australian Greens have been instrumental in advocating for climate change action, renewable energy, and conservation efforts. They have also championed issues such as marriage equality, indigenous rights, and refugee rights.
The Greens gained their first representation in the Australian Senate in 1996 and have since held multiple seats in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. They have also been successful at the state and local levels, with members being elected to various state parliaments and city councils. The Australian Greens have significantly influenced policy debates and have been able to shape legislation on issues such as carbon pricing and renewable energy targets.
Similarly, the German Greens, officially known as Alliance 90/The Greens, have a rich history within the progressive left-wing movement. The party was founded in 1980 through the merger of several environmental and peace movements that gained momentum in the wake of the anti-nuclear and anti-war protests of the 1970s.
In their early years, the German Greens focused primarily on environmental issues, advocating for clean energy, sustainable transportation, and protection of natural resources. However, over time, they expanded their policy platform to include social justice, human rights, and gender equality. The German Greens have also been active in promoting pacifism and advocating for a more inclusive and multicultural society.
The party's rise to prominence came in the 1990s when they entered into a coalition government with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) at the federal level. This marked the first time a Green party had participated in a national government. During their time in government, the German Greens were able to influence policies related to renewable energy, education, and social welfare.
Since then, the German Greens have continued to make significant gains in both the federal and state elections. They have positioned themselves as a credible alternative to the traditional center-left and center-right parties, advocating for progressive policies on climate change, social welfare, and migration. The party's popularity has surged in recent years, with many attributing their success to the growing public concern for the environment and social justice issues.
Progressive left-wing parties such as the Australian Greens and the German Greens have played crucial roles in advocating for environmental sustainability, social justice, and progressive policies. These parties have been able to shape political discourse, influence policy decisions, and provide a voice for marginalized communities. Their history reflects the evolving priorities and concerns of progressive movements around the world.