Liberalism and centrism in Sweden

Updated on Oct 12, 2024

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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 ⇒ denotes another party in that scheme. For inclusion in this scheme it isn't necessary so that parties labeled themselves as a liberal party.

Background

Liberalism has been a major force in Sweden since the 19th century. Nowadays The Liberals (Liberalerna, member LI, ALDE) calls itself a centre-right liberal party. The Centre Party (Centerpartiet,member LI, ALDE) is a historically agrarian party that has gradually developed into a liberal party. Since their party congress in 2013, they define themselves as a green, liberal party.

From People's Party to The 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 - The Liberals (Folkpartiet Liberalerna)

2015: The party shortened its name to The Liberals (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 from an agrarian into a more liberal direction.