Liberalism and centrism in Estonia

This article gives an overview ofliberalism and centrism inEstonia.It is limited toliberalandcentristpartieswith 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 is not necessary that the party has labeled itself as a liberal party.

History

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. TheEstonian Reform Party(Eesti Reformierakond) is a free market liberal party.Despite its liberal international affiliations theEstonian Centre Party(Eesti Keskerakond) is generally not considered a liberal party, so therefore it is not included.

From Estonian Progressive People's Party to National Centre Party

• 1905:Jaan Tõnissonfounded theEstonian Progressive People's Party(Eesti Rahvameelne Eduerakond)
• 1917: The party is renamedDemocratic Party(Demokraatlik Erakond)
• 1919: The Democratic Party merged with the ⇒ Radical Democratic Party into theEstonian People's Party(Eesti Rahvaerakond)
• 1931: The Estonian People's Party merged with the Christian People's Party (Kristlik Rahvaerakond) into theUnited People's Party(Ühendatud Rahvaerakonnad)
• 1932: This is followed by the merger with the ⇒ Estonian Labour Party (Tööerakond) and the Union of Landlords (Üleriikline Majaomanikkude Seltside Liit) into theNational Centre Party
• 1934: The party is banned

Radical Democratic Party

• 1917:Konstantin Päts,the later conservative leader, founded theRadical 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 theFrench Radical Socialistand the RussianTrudovikitheRadical Socialist Party(Radikaalsotsialistlik Erakond) is founded.
• 1919: The party merged with the Social Travaillist Party into theEstonian Labour Party(Eesti Tööerakond)
• 1931: The Estonian Labour Party merged into the ⇒ National Centre Party.

From Popular Front to Estonian Centre Party

• 1988:Edgar SavisaarandMarju Lauristinfounded thePopular Front(Rahvarinne) officially aiming at consolidating reform-minded people.
• 1992: The Popular Front fell apart and Savisaar founded theEstonian People's Centre Party(Eesti Rahva-Keskerakond), which was later renamed theEstonian Centre Party(Eesti Keskerakond).
• 1996: A faction formed the ⇒ Progressive Party
• 2004: A faction leaves and joins various parties (seeSocial Liberals). Theliberaland centrist character of the party is often disputed, whereby the party is usually considered aleft of centre populist/personalistparty.

Estonian Liberal Democratic Party / Estonian Reform Party

• 1990: Liberals formed theEstonian Liberal Democratic Party(Eesti Liberaal-Demokraatlik Erakond)
• 1994: The party is the basis for the newEstonian Reform Party(Eesti Reformierakond)

Estonian Coalition Party

• 1991: Dissident members of Savisaar cabinet (Jaak Tamm), and centrists found theEstonian Coalition Party(Eesti Koonderakond), led byTiit Vähi.
• 2000s: The party was disbanded

Progressive Party

• 1996: A faction of theEstonian Centre Partyformed theProgressive Party(Arengupartei)
• 1999: The party disappeared

Estonia 200

• 2018:Estonia 200(Erakond Eesti 200) has been founded.

Liberal leaders

• Jaan Tõnisson

See also

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