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Liberalism and centrism in Estonia - Definition and Overview |
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This article is part of or related
to the Liberalism series
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This article gives an overview of liberalism and centrism in Estonia. 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
At the beginning of the twentieth century liberal parties emerged and played an important role in Estonia. They lost influence in the 1930s. After the restoration of independence in 1990, both pragmatic centrist and liberal forces arose. Nowadays the Estonian Reform Party (Eesti Reformierakond, member LI), ELDR is a free market liberal party. The liberal character of the Estonian Centre Party (Eesti Keskerakond, member LI, ELDR) is disputed. Despite this, the party is included because of its international affilliations.
The timeline
From Estonian Progressive People's Party to National Centre Party
- 1905: Jaan Tõnisson founded the Estonian Progressive People's Party (Eesti Rahvameelne Eduerakond)
- 1917: The party is renamed Democratic Party (Demokraatlik Erakond)
- 1919: The Democratic Party merged with the ⇒ Radical Democratic Party into the Estonian People's Party (Eesti Rahvaerakond)
- 1931: The Estonian People's Party merged with the Christian People's Party (Kristlik Rahvaerakond) into the United People's Parties(Ühendatud Rahvaerakonnad)
- 1932: This is followed by the merger with the ⇒ Estonian Labour Party and the Union of Landlords (Majaomanikkudeseltsideliiti) into the National Centre Party
- 1934: The party is banned
Radical Democratic Party
- 1917: Konstantin Päts, the later conservative leader, founded the Radical Democratic Party (Radikaal-Demokraatlik Erakond).
- 1919: The party merged with the ⇒ Democratic Party into the ⇒ Estonian People's Party
Radical Socialist Party / Estonian Labour Party
- 1917: Inspired by the French Radical Socialist and the Russian Trudoviki the Radical Socialist Party (Radikaalsotsialistlik Erakond) is founded.
- 1919: The party merged with the Social Travaillist Party into the Estonian Labour Party (Eesti Tööerakond)
- 1931: The Estonian Labour Party merged into the ⇒ National Centre Party.
From Popular Front to Estonian Centre Party
- 1990: When new parties are allowed, Edgar Savisaar founded the Popular Front (Rahvarinne)
- 1992: The Popular Front fell part and Savisaar founded the Estonian People's Centre Party (Eesti Rahva-Keskerakond), beter known as the Estonian Centre Party (Eesti Keskerakond)
- 1996: A faction formed the ⇒ Progressive Party
Estonian Liberal Democratic Party / Estonian Reform Party
- 1990: Liberals formed the Estonian Liberal Democratic Party (Eesti Liberaal-Demokraatlik Erakond)
- 1994: The party is the basis for the new Estonian Reform Party (Eesti Reformierakond) of Siim Kallas
Estonian Coalition Party
- 1991: Centrists, led by Tiit Vähi, found the Estonian Coalition Party (Eesti Koonderakond)
- 2000s: The party disappeared
Progressive Party
- 1996: A faction of the ⇒ Estonian Centre Party formed the Progressive Party (Arengupartei)
- 1999: The party disappeared
Liberal leaders
References
p.m.
See also
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