Reviving Party Democracy in Southeast Europe through New Left Movement Parties: Reflections and Recommendations

“This text explores the revival of party democracy in Southeast Europe, particularly through new left movement parties that have emerged in the region. It assesses the crisis of contemporary political parties, arguing that the decline of parliamentary party democracy has opened space for alternative models, such as movement parties. These parties, shaped by social movements, aim to reintroduce democratic engagement and accountability within party structures. The paper reflects on the experiences of new left-wing movements in Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia, emphasizing the challenges of internal democratic organization, coalition dynamics, and the tensions between horizontal and vertical party structures.

The relevance of this work extends to policy contexts like the European Union integration process and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The discussion on revitalizing democratic structures aligns with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), which advocates for responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making. Moreover, the policy recommendations outlined for strengthening party democracy are directly relevant to the EU’s governance and political reform efforts, contributing to the broader objectives of democratic consolidation and the establishment of transparent institutions in the context of EU accession.”