This papers aims to examine party change and adaptation through the experience of the main radical left groups in Italy: the PRC-Communist Refoundation Party, and its offshoot SEL-Left, Ecology and Freedom. These parties all seem to have been (and still be) very permeable to the demands of the new social movements and to be willing to set up a privileged relationship with them. Despite this openness and attempts at innovation, whilst in some European countries suffering for the economic crisis, the radical left-wing parties are growing, both these Italian parties are failing to represent the interests of the weak social classes. The key question this paper intends to answer is why do the Italian radical left-wing parties seem to be unable to meet the actual needs of their constituency?
