liberalism in latvia

This article gives an overview of liberalism in Latvia. It is limited to liberal 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

Liberalism in Latvia was a small but important force since 1922 in Latvia. The current regained position after the re-independence of 1990. Nowadays the Latvian Way (Latvijas Ceļ, member LI, ELDR) is a right of center market liberal party.

The timeline

German Baltic Democratic Party

1918: Moderate German liberals in Latvia formed the German-Baltic Democratic Party (Deutsch-Baltische Demokratische Partei)
1934: The party is banned, along with all other political parties, after a coup by Karlis Ulmanis

German Baltic Progressive Party

1918: Radical German liberals in Latvia formed the German-Baltic Progressive Party (Deutsch-Baltische Fortschrittliche Partei)
1934: The party is banned

From Democratic Party to Democratic Centre

1922: Shortly after its foundation the Democratic Party (Latvia) (Demokrātiskā Partija) merged with the Radical Democratic Party and the People's Party (Ļauu Partija) into the Democratic Centre (Demokrātiskais Centrs). The party is lead by the later presidents of Latvia, Jānis Čakste and Gustavs Zemgals.
1934: The party is banned. In exile it is continued by the Liberal Party (Liberālu Partija)

Latgalian Democratic Party

1920: Latgalian liberals formed the Latgalian Democratic Party (Latgales Demokratu Partija)
1926: The party merged into the Latgalian Democratic Farmers Union

Mizrochi

1922: Liberal zionists formed the Mizrochi
1934: The party is banned

From Democratic Centre Party to Latvian Democratic Party

1992: A Democratic Centre Party (Demokrātiskā Centra Partija) is founded as a refoundation of the ⇒ Democratic Centre
1994: The party merged with another group into the Democratic Party Saimnieks (Demokrātiskā Partija Saimnieks)
1997: Many members left to join the Labour Party and the Latvian National Reform Party
1999: The party is renamed Latvian Democratic Party (Latvijas Demokrātiskā Partija)

Latvia's Way

1993: Liberals from the Popular Front of Latvia formed the Latvia's Way (Latvijas Ceļ)

Liberal leaders

Demokratiskais Centrs: Jānis Čakste

References

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