SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF GREECE
Alexandra Papariga
(Teacher-Private employee)

Born in Athens in 1945.
Studied history and archaelogy at the University of Athens.
Worked as a book-keeper and private tutor.
Became involved in the peace movement and the Lambrakis Democratic Youth group in 1961.
Became member of the Democratic Left Union (EDA) party's youth organisation and the Lambrakis youth students' organisation.
Volunteered for the suppport network for the families of people persecuted during the dictatorship (1967-74).
Entered politics full-time in 1976.
Founded the Women's Federation of Greece (OGE) and continued her involvement in the womens' movement until 1981, participating in various international womens' fora, including the United Nations.
Elected member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) in 1978.
Elected member of the KKE Political Bureau in 1986.
Elected Secretary General of the KKE Central Committee at the 13th party congress, in 1991, the first woman ever to lead the party.
First elected to parliament in the second electoral district of Athens in 1993.
Re-elected leader unanimously at the 15th KKE party congress, in 1996.
Alexandra (Aleka) Papariga is married and has a daughter.

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