Socialist political parties

Overview
Coordinator Comments

Since the fall of the Soviet Union and its allies in Eastern Europe, the flag of socialism has been carried primarily by the socialist political parties of the world and their umbrella organization, the Socialist International.

A leading role has been played recently by the Socialist Party of Spain which won the elections of 2004 and 2008 with President Zapatero, who had previously the Vice-President of the Socialist International. Carrying out their commitment to support for the culture of peace, the Zapatero government has given support to the United Nations initiative for the Alliance of Civilizations.

Although socialist parties are major contenders for power in many countries, when they win elections they must rule in coalition governments and are not able to make fundamental changes in the capitalist economies of their countries.