This article gives an overview ofliberalism and centrism inFinland. It is limited toliberal andcentristparties 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 so that parties labeled themselves as a liberal party.
Liberalism was a major force in Finland since 1894. After independence the current gradually decreased. A major other force, agrarianism, choose in 1965 to develop itself into a more centrist current. The liberal character of theFinnish Center (Suomen Keskusta), member ofLI andELDR, is based on liberal ideas likedecentralization, peasant-like freedom andprogressivism.[1] The Swedish minority partySwedish People's Party (Svenska Folkpartiet i Finland) is also a member ofLI,ELDR. The original liberal current is now organized in theLiberals (Liberaalit), a very small extra-parliamentary party. At the autonomous island ofÅland theLiberals for Åland (Liberalerna på Åland) are a dominant force.
