Christian-Social People's Party (Liechtenstein)
The Christian-Social People's Party (German: Christlich-Soziale Volkspartei), often shortened to People's Party (German: Volkspartei, VP), was a social liberal political party in Liechtenstein.[1] Founded in 1918, the Christian-Social People's Party and the Progressive Citizens' Party (FBP) were the first political parties in Liechtenstein.[2]
Christian-Social People's Party Christlich-Soziale Volkspartei | |
---|---|
Abbreviation | VP |
Founder | Wilhelm Beck |
Founded | 1918 |
Dissolved | 1936 |
Merged into | Patriotic Union |
Newspaper | Liechtensteiner Nachrichten (Liechtenstein News) |
Ideology | Social liberalism Trade unionism Catholic social teaching |
Political position | Centre-left |
Colours | Red |
History
The party was established in 1918 as an offshoot of the trade union movement.[3] It first formed the country's government following the 1922 elections, and remained in power until losing the 1928 elections.
In 1936, it merged with Liechtenstein Homeland Service (LHD) to form the Patriotic Union (VU).[4]
Electoral performance
Election | Votes | % | Seats | +/– | Position | Government |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1918 | 5 / 12 |
5 | 2nd | Opposition | ||
1922 | 11 / 15 |
6 | 1st | Majority | ||
1926 (Jan) | 9 / 15 |
2 | 1st | Majority | ||
1926 (Apr) | 9 / 15 |
0 | 1st | Majority | ||
1928 | 4 / 15 |
5 | 2nd | Opposition | ||
1930 | 0 / 15 |
4 | N/A | N/A | ||
1932 | 2 / 15 |
2 | 2nd | Opposition |
Ideology
The VP advocated for an expansion of democracy and progressive social policies, and was also supportive of the country's constitutional monarchy.[3] Due to its pro-democratic social liberal leanings and party colours, party members were often referred to disparagingly as "Reds".[1]
References
- "Christlich-soziale Volkspartei". e-archiv.li (in German). Liechtenstein National Archives. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
- "History". Fürstentum Liechtenstein. Government of Liechtenstein Marketing. Archived from the original on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
- Vincent E McHale (1983) Political parties of Europe, Greenwood Press, p609 ISBN 0-313-23804-9
- "Parties in Liechtenstein 1921-1943". Prince and People: Liechtenstein Civics (in German). School Office of the Principality of Liechtenstein. 2007. Archived from the original on 1 August 2012. Retrieved 13 February 2014.