Ruggero Grieco (1893-1955) was an Italian politician and one of the prominent leaders of the Italian Communist Party (Partito Comunista Italiano, PCI). Born in Bisceglie, Italy, Grieco was an influential figure in the development of communist thought in Italy, particularly during the early to mid-20th century.
He was active in politics from a young age, starting his involvement with the Italian Socialist Party (PSI) before eventually becoming a founding member of the PCI in 1921, following a split in the PSI due to ideological differences regarding the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. Grieco was part of the left-wing faction within the PSI that supported Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks.
During the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini, Grieco, like many communists, faced persecution and had to operate in clandestinity. He played a significant role in organizing and directing underground activities against the fascist regime.
After World War II, with the fall of fascism and the re-establishment of democratic governance in Italy, Grieco continued his work with the PCI. He was involved in various capacities within the party, contributing to its political strategies and ideological direction during a time when the PCI was one of the major leftist forces in Italian politics.
Grieco's contributions to the PCI and the broader communist and socialist movements in Italy were significant, particularly in terms of ideological leadership and organizational capability. Although not as internationally renowned as some of his contemporaries like Antonio Gramsci or Palmiro Togliatti, Grieco remained a vital figure within the Italian Left until his death in 1955.