Practically Left Alliance is a follower of the Finnish People's Democratic League, which was an "umbrella party" uniting most of the extreme left. The largest member organization of People's Democratic League, with a share close to 90%, was Communist Party of Finland which went bankrupt in 1990. Practically all the activities were transferred to the new party.
In parliamentary elections, Left Alliance share of the vote has been close to 10%. Left Alliance had three portfolios in the two cabinets of Paavo Lipponen (1995-2003).
The current party chairperson is Suvi-Anne Siimes.