Liberalism in Belgium


This article gives an overview of liberalism in Belgium. It is limited to liberal 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 is not necessary that parties labeled themselves as a liberal party.

Background

Liberalism was a dominant force since the Belgian independence from the Netherlands.

History

Since 1972 the traditional liberal current is divided in parties for each language. In Flanders the liberal Flemish Liberals and Democrats, comprising both market and left of center liberals, is one of the dominant parties. Smaller liberal parties are Spirit, allied with the social democrats, and Vivant, allied to the VLD. In the French-speaking part of the country the nowadays center liberal Reformist Movement is one of the major parties. Affiliated with this party is the German-speaking Party for Freedom and Progress.

Liberal Party/Party for Freedom and Progress

In the Contributions to liberal theory the following Belgian thinkers are included: