AKEL at 100: European Left United in Solidarity
ARTICLE by Dagmar Švendová
Cyprus – European Left President Walter Baier and representatives of European Left member and observer parties joined AKEL’s 100th anniversary celebrations, marking a century since the founding of the Communist Party of Cyprus in 1926, whose political legacy AKEL continues. The anniversary provided an opportunity to honour a century of political and social struggles and reaffirm their commitment to international solidarity, peace, social justice and the reunification of Cyprus.
The celebrations brought together representatives of left-wing, communist and progressive parties across the world. The Party of the European Left (EL) participated in the celebrations in Nicosia, Cyprus, alongside representatives of SYRIZA–Progressive Alliance (Greece), Izquierda Unida (Spain), PVDA – PTB (Belgium), Rifondazione Comunista (Italy), KPÖ (Austria) and KSČM (Czechia).
AKEL, an observer party of the European Left, maintains longstanding ties of political cooperation and solidarity with the European Left and its member and observer parties. The centenary celebrations provided an opportunity to reaffirm these bonds and strengthen international cooperation.
A firsthand encounter with Cyprus’s division
On 6 November, international delegations took part in a guided visit to the Green Line in Nicosia, witnessing firsthand the continuing division of Cyprus through the Turkish occupation.
The Green Line forms part of the United Nations buffer zone separating the northern and southern parts of the island. Extending approximately 180 kilometres across Cyprus, the buffer zone is monitored by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). Following the events of 1974, it became a defining feature of the island’s division.
Since 2003, the opening of crossing points has enabled greater movement and contact between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. Nevertheless, the division remains unresolved, while discussions on additional crossing points continue as part of efforts to improve relations between the two communities.
The visit offered an opportunity to better understand the realities of the Cyprus question and the significance of AKEL’s longstanding commitment to a peaceful reunification of the island.
Later that evening, the international guests attended AKEL’s central political and cultural celebration at the Strovolos Municipal Theatre.
International dialogue on the challenges facing the Left
On 7 November, the centenary programme continued with AKEL’s International Symposium, “The Left and the Contemporary World”, in Nicosia.
The discussions addressed growing social inequalities, geopolitical rivalries, militarisation and armed conflicts, as well as the rise of the far right and the need to develop political alternatives centred on the rights and needs of working people.
AKEL’s centenary celebrations also provided an opportunity for representatives of the European Left and other international delegations to exchange views on current political developments and the future of progressive cooperation.
Solidarity with a free and reunited Cyprus
The Cyprus question remained a central political dimension of the international exchanges surrounding AKEL’s centenary.
During a briefing for international delegations, AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou reiterated AKEL’s commitment to a comprehensive and lasting settlement based on United Nations resolutions and international law, emphasising the need to resume negotiations and create conditions for meaningful progress towards reunification.
The European Left reaffirmed its solidarity with AKEL and its ongoing struggle for a free, reunited and independent Cyprus — a Cyprus of peace, security, progress, democracy and social justice.
100 years of AKEL: Looking towards the future
As AKEL enters its second century, the European Left joins in honouring its history and reaffirming the bonds of friendship, cooperation and solidarity that unite them.
100 years of AKEL — a century of struggle, solidarity and hope.
Together in solidarity. Together for a better future.
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