Liberalism in Switzerland


This article gives an overview of liberalism and the historical radicalism movement within liberalism in Switzerland. It is limited to liberal and radical 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 is not necessary that parties labeled themselves as a liberal party.

Introduction

In the nineteenth century the radicalism of Freisinn became the dominant political force in Switzerland, which remained for a long time in the twentieth century. Both the major Free Democratic Party of Switzerland and the minor Liberal Party of Switzerland were centre-right liberal parties that merged into FDP.The Liberals in 2009.

Timeline

From Liberal Democrats to Liberal Party of Switzerland

Free Democratic Party of Switzerland

From Extreme Left to Democratic Party of Switzerland

  • 1896: The left wing of the ⇒ Free Democratic Party of Switzerland established the Extreme Left
  • 1905: The Extreme Left organised itself as the social liberal Democratic Party of Switzerland
  • 1941: A Zürich faction of the ⇒ Free Democratic Party of Switzerland joined the party
  • 1971: The Zürich branch of the party returned to the ⇒ Free Democratic Party of Switzerland, while the Glarus and Grisons branches merged into the Swiss People's Party

Ring of Independents

Liberal leaders