Eurocommunism

Eurocommunism was a reformist strand within Western European communist parties during the 1970s and 1980s that sought to chart an autonomous path from the Soviet model. Proponents argued that socialism could be achieved through democratic institutions, pluralist politics, and respect for civil liberties, rather than through one-party rule or violent overthrow. The movement emphasized the sovereignty of national parties, independence from Moscow, and a commitment to human rights, parliamentary participation, and social reform.

Core features included rejection of single-party dictatorship, a willingness to work within democratic systems, and an openness to alliances with non-communist left and center-left forces. Eurocommunists often advocated gradual reform, negotiated settlements, and the use of elections to advance socialist aims. They drew on social-democratic experience and stressed national autonomy in strategy and policy.

Key actors and expressions appeared in Italy, Spain, and France. The Italian Communist Party under Enrico Berlinguer pursued what was described as a Historic Compromise with the Christian Democrats and sought to broaden the left’s appeal within a democratic framework. The Spanish Communist Party, led by Santiago Carrillo, moved toward legal political activity and alliances in the transition to democracy. The French Communist Party, under Georges Marchais, also embraced greater electoral engagement and cooperation with other left groups, including support for Socialist-led governments in the 1980s.

Decline followed the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union, which undercut the ideological basis of eurocommunism. Many member parties later rebranded as social democrats or left-wing groups, and some entered broader center-left coalitions. The period left a lasting influence on Western European left strategy, reinforcing the legitimacy of democratic and reformist approaches to socialism.