The Socialist Progressive Party is a break-away party of the neo-marxist Communist Party. All its members have been a member of the CPL before. Within that party there was a long-time schism between the marxist wing and a more pragmatic group of members. The more moderate government officials lead by PM Marcus Villanova felt no longer capable of cooperating with the radical faction, loyal to party strongman Yuri Medvedev. Villanova announced his departure from the CPL on October 3, 2011. He also made clear he would found a new party, the SPP, later on that month.