From the streets to institutions

This chapter focuses on the dynamics within party systems – specifically in relation to left-wing parties – that resulted from the contentious cycle during the electoral period of 2014-2015. While the dynamics observed previously were critical to changing the party-system, these did not result solely from social movement action but also from ongoing dynamics within existing left-wing parties. In Spain, Podemos resulted from both social movement dynamics and internal struggles within the pre-existing party Izquierda Unida, while in Portugal, with the social movements domesticated and remaining backstage, the debate on the left revolved around the unity of the left against austerity.