Liberalism and centrism in Sweden

This article gives an overview of liberalism and centrism in Sweden. It is limited to liberal and centrist parties with substantial support, mainly proved by having had a representation in parliament. The sign ⇒ means a reference to another party in that scheme. For inclusion in this scheme it isn't necessary so that parties labeled themselves as a liberal party.

Introduction

Liberalism has been a major force in Sweden since the 19th century. Nowadays the Liberal People's Party (Folkpartiet Liberalerna, member LI, ELDR) calls itself a center liberal party. The Centre Party (Centerpartiet, member ELDR) is an agrarian party that gradually develops into a more or less liberal party. The liberal character is however disputed.

The timeline

From People's Party to People's Party Liberals

• 1895: The liberal wing of the Old Party of the Gentry (Gamla Lantmannapartiet) seceded and formed the People's Party (Folkpartiet)
• 1900: The liberals are reorganised into the Liberal Coalition Party/Freeminded National Association (Liberala Samlingspartiet/Frisinnade Landsföreningen)
• 1922: The party fell apart into the Freeminded People's Party/Freeminded National Association (Frisinnade Folkpartiet/Frisinnade Landsföreningen) and the ⇒ Liberal Party of Sweden
• 1934: Both parties re-united into the People's Party (Folkpartiet)
• 1990: The party is renamed People's Party - Liberals (Folkpartiet Liberalerna)

Liberal Party of Sweden

• 1922: The Liberal Coalition Party fell apart into the ⇒ Freeminded People's Party and the Liberal Party of Sweden (Sveriges Liberala Parti)
• 1934: Both parties re-united into the ⇒ People's Party

Centre Party

• 1958: The agrarian Rural Party - Farmers' League (Landbygdspartiet Bondeförbundet) renamed itself into Centre Party (Centerpartiet) and evolved gradually into a more liberal direction

Libertarian Party of Sweden

• 2005: The Libertarian Party (Sweden) is founded. Receives ~200 votes in the 2006 election (of ~6 million).

Liberal leaders

• Folkpartiet Liberalerna: Bertil Ohlin - Gunnar Helén - Per Ahlmark - Ola Ullsten - Bengt Westerberg - Maria Leissner - Lars Leijonborg

Liberal thinkers

In the Contributions to liberal theory the following Swedish thinkers are included:

• Anders Chydenius (1729-1803)
• Bertil Ohlin (1899-1979)

References

p.m.

See also

• History of Sweden
• Politics of Sweden
• List of political parties in Sweden