Has "creeping socialism/communism" ever been a thing?

[darklordoftech]

Every communist regime I can think of rose to power by violently overthrowing whatever preceded them, not by gradually getting laws passed. However, conservative politicians often warn of creeping socialism/communism. Are there any examples of a regime becoming socialist or commumist by passing laws over time rather than by violent revolution?

[Fudotei]

The best example off the top of my head is the situation France found itself in in the mid-1930s, with the PCF being included in the Popular Front of the time. I think at least some part of that faction had very real ties to the Soviet Union - the entire project was helped by Stalin's acceptance of popular front communist politics in the 30s

[Cassandra]

The Socialist government of Salvador Allende was Democratically elected.

[Orser67]

It depends on how narrowly you define socialist countries. India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka all have mixed economies but their constitutions declare an allegiance to socialism.