left-wing
Post-communist underground: Budapest 'ruin pubs' threatened with closure
For two decades the Hungarian capital's delapidated yards have become its hottest alternative venues in the form of retro gardens and pubs. That's about to come to an end thanks to a stricter law set in place after a tragic episode at the beginning of 2011 by local right-wing authorities, and dutifully followed by conformist residents
left-wing, fidesz, berlin, hungary, budapest, culture calendar, nightlife
Labour goes left(er): Ed Miliband new British opposition leader
He has edged out his older brother and former foreign secretary David to become leader of the British labour party. The 40-year-old’s victory - on the party's left - means a change in direction for Labour, write the Danish, Dutch, Spanish and Irish press
left-wing, labour party, united kingdom, trade unions, david miliband, politics
Job Cohen: is this who The Netherlands needs as leader?
The moderate and highly popular Amsterdam mayor has revived the labour party, leading in polls before the 9 June elections. Will he be the wonder doctor for Dutch citizens´ worried minds and restore the country´s image in the world? Portrait of a future statesman
left-wing, labour, netherlands, job cohen, vote, geert wilders, amsterdam
Once upon a 6 May the UK hung its parliament
Over the last four weeks we've been garnering a European view of the UK elections on 6 May, where the last thirteen years of labour government faces change. Continental concerns are about the state of the UK budget, and there's been surprise by the 'Cleggmania' twist in the election campaign, which became a three-horse race (time for a Spanish first lady?). It's also raised queries about the UK's electoral law system, voter apathy and the fact there seems to be no left alternative in Britain – read the profile of a hijab-wearing candidate in a northern constituency. Forecasters say the conservatives might win in a coalition government with the liberal democrats, meaning Europeans might see a change in the make-up of the current 27-bloc European identity. Who would you vote for - David, Gordon or Nick?
- Read the special edition Once upon a 6 May the UK hung its parliament
- London: protest singing for the UK elections
- UK election: EU press on the one month for 'posh boy' Cameron to battle Brown
- Nick Clegg for European British prime minister?
- Salma Yaqoob: the other left in UK elections
- Truth? There's no-one to vote for in 6 May UK elections
- UK elections on 6 May: EU press discuss budget and coalition
Casa Pound Italia: Neo-fascists on the rise
Casa Pound Italia is at the heart of the Italian Neo-fascist movement. 'We will build the world that we want!' cry the militants across the website of the group, inspired by a poet, and dedicated to action. Meanwhile there is no shortage of complaint, between accusations of violence, and questions being raised in parliament. A look at a movement inspired by fascism, but that refuses the label of 'extreme right'
left-wing, ezra pound, discrimination, violence, extremism, racism, neo-fascism
‘Many people in Bulgaria are left-wing - but don’t dare to say it’
With only 18% of the vote in the last legislative elections in September 2009, the Bulgarian socialist party (BSP) is nowadays a rather sluggish opposition. Its leaders, nostalgic former communists, are joined on the left of the political spectrum by youngsters with ideas and dreams. Part two in a five part 'EU crisis on the ground' city series
left-wing, extremism, bulgaria, best of cafebabel.com, youth, communism, politics
Barroso is his own enemy
Barroso is hoping for a second five-year mandate as president of the European council, but the members of the European parliament want the Portuguese conservative to present a schedule before they give him their support
left-wing, eu presidency, josé manuel barroso, felipe gonzalez, euroscepticism, poul nyrup rasmussen, right wing
Viva the financial crisis!
Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed; 2009 is the year for crisis in Europe, but bizarrely also for opportunities in certain sectors. Lucid ideas come from shrewd, prepared minds. From travel, ideologies, cars, all hail the cleverclogs
Neo-communism 2009: communists 2.0
The neo-communist era appeared to have vanished. Today, the economic crisis seems to be sending waves into Europe's leftist movement. Is it back? How do communists and leftists organise themselves beyond social democracy - especially with the European elections on the horizon in June 2009?
Financial crisis, lesson one: be Gordon Brown
You just need to make a little economic proposal if you’re a British prime minister this autumn, to rise from the political ashes when people least expect it
left-wing, g4, rodríguez zapatero, financial crisis, european left, shares, investment
Ripping up ballot papers in Italy
You could call him ‘Veltrozy’. The leader of the Italian democratic party wants to distance himself from his predecessor, Romano Prodi. Just like French president Nicolas Sarkozy wanted to distance himself from his predecessor, Jacques Chirac. Berlusconi however wants to delete the memory of the null economic growth
left-wing, walter veltroni, nicolas sarkozy, southern eu, rome, beppe grillo, right-wing
Typically Italian elections in April
On 13 and 14 April the Italians go to the polls under an electoral law that no-one is happy with. Majority rule or proportional representation? A two percent or four percent cut-off clause? What is the best solution for Italy?
left-wing, silvio berlusconi, map, opinion, rome, beppe grillo, european union
Serb elections: blackmail Europe
Serb incumbent Boris Tadic needs every vote he can get in the second round of presidential elections on 3 February. PM Kostunica supports his pro-European coalition partner - but on his own terms only
left-wing, balkans, serbia, democratisation, kosovo, enlargement, boris tadic
Situationism: ideas in conflict
Rue de Seine, Paris 1952. ‘Never work’ is chalked on a wall. Two words about the philosophy of the 'Situationists' who transformed May 1968 and who still inspire activists today
left-wing, underground, freedom, capitalism, tolerance, freedom of opinion, belgium
Michal Zygmunt: 'By 2010, Poland will be talking commercial gay movement'
30-year-old author of the book ‘New Romantic’, the journalist and editor of gay magazine ‘Dik Fagazine’ talks politics, left-wing politics and emotion-drained religion
left-wing, warsaw, literature, poland, journalism, gay, religion
Italy: 'country of madmen'
Afghanistan - delicate name for European governments. Italy is bridging the gulf between its international obligations and the Senate
left-wing, middle east, afghanistan, foreign policy, war, nato, world affairs
Erri de Luca, Neapolitan, generation '68
Winner of the 2002 Prix Fémina for Foreign Writers for his splendid Montedidio – written in 'very Neapolitan Italian' – Erri de Luca reflects on Europe, the Mediterranean and the passing of generations
left-wing, terrorism, corruption, bosnia and herzegovina, youth, naples, books
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