This article gives an overview of liberalism and centrism in Sweden. It is limited to liberal and centristparties with substantial support, mainly proved by having had a representation in parliament. The sign ⇒ denotes another party in that scheme. For inclusion in this article it is not necessary for parties to have labelled themselves as a liberal party.
Background
Liberalism has been a major force in Sweden since the 19th century. And even before then, personalities like Anders Chydenius (1729 – 1803), promoted the ideals of liberalism.[1] Nowadays The Liberals (Liberalerna, member of LI and ALDE) calls itself a centre-right liberal party. The Centre Party (Centerpartiet, member of LI and 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.[2]
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)
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.