This article gives an overview of liberalism and centrism in
Estonia. 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 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. The
Estonian Reform Party (Eesti Reformierakond) is a free market liberal party.[1]: 128 Despite its liberal international affiliations the
Estonian 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
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 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 the National Centre Party
2004: A faction leaves and joins various parties (see
Social Liberals). The
liberal and centrist character of the party is often disputed, whereby the party is usually considered a
left of centre populist/
personalist party.
Estonian Liberal Democratic Party / Estonian Reform Party
1994: The party is the basis for the new Estonian Reform Party (Eesti Reformierakond)
Estonian Coalition Party
1991: Dissident members of Savisaar cabinet (Jaak Tamm), and centrists found the Estonian Coalition Party (Eesti Koonderakond), led by
Tiit Vähi.[1]: 128–129