The Democratic Party of the Left (Partito Democratico della Sinistra, PDS) was an Italian political party formed in 1991. It emerged from the transformation of the Italian Communist Party, aiming to create a more moderate and democratic left-wing alternative. The PDS sought to appeal to a broader electorate by focusing on social justice, civil rights, and economic reform. In 1998, the PDS changed its name to the Democratic Party (Partito Democratico, PD) as part of a broader effort to unify various leftist groups in Italy. The party continues to play a significant role in Italian politics, advocating for progressive policies and social democracy.