KKE

The Communist Party of Greece, abbreviated KKE, is a left-wing political party in Greece that adheres to Marxist-Leninist principles. It seeks a socialist transformation of society through centralized planning, public ownership of the means of production, and expanded workers’ rights. The party positions itself as anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist, and it has been openly critical of NATO and the European Union, while advocating broader social welfare programs and anti-austerity policies.

The party traces its origins to the post-World War I era and was established in 1918. Throughout the 20th century it underwent several reorganizations and faced periods of illegality, especially during the Greek military dictatorship from 1967 to 1974. The KKE played a central role in the Greek Civil War (1946–1949) as the core of the communist-led forces. After the restoration of democracy in 1974, the party re-entered mainstream politics and participated in elections, maintaining a consistent presence on the Greek left despite fluctuating electoral support.

Organization and activities include a hierarchical leadership structure, with a central committee guiding policy and strategy. The party maintains a mass organization network and publishes Rizospastis, its daily newspaper, to communicate with supporters. The KKE also has a youth wing and various labor and trade union affiliations aimed at mobilizing workers and students.

In contemporary politics, the KKE remains a distinct, often third- or fourth-largest force on the Greek left. It typically receives single-digit percentages of the national vote and secures a modest number of seats in the Hellenic Parliament. The party continues to advocate for anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist positions, while opposing mainstream austerity measures and advocating for workers’ rights and social welfare.