This article gives an overview ofliberalism inBelgium. Liberalism was a dominant force since Belgian independence from theNetherlands. It is limited toliberalparties with substantial support, as evidenced by having had representation in theparliament. The sign ⇒ denotes another party in that scheme. For inclusion in this scheme, it is not necessary for parties to label themselves as liberal.[1]
Since 1972 the traditional liberal current is divided in parties for each language. In Flanders the liberalFlemish Liberals and Democrats (Vlaamse Liberalen en Democraten, memberLI,ELDR), comprising both market and left of center liberals, is one of the dominant parties. Smaller liberal parties areSpirit, allied with the social democrats, andVivant, allied to the VLD. In the French-speaking part of the country the nowadays center liberalReformist Movement (Mouvement Réformateur, memberLI,ELDR) is one of the major parties. Affiliated with this party is the German-speakingParty for Freedom and Progress (Partei für Freiheit und Fortschritt).[1]
