Liberal Centrism on the 12 Axes

Liberal centrism describes parties that stand in the middle because of liberal values, not by splitting the difference between left and right. Emmanuel Macron's movement La République En Marche, founded in 2016, is a leading example, along with D66 in the Netherlands, Ciudadanos in Spain in its early years and the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament. These forces back free trade, European integration, independent courts, gradual reforms of labor markets and pensions, and moderate social liberalism on issues such as same-sex marriage. Compared with plain centrism, it holds firm liberal commitments. Compared with neoliberalism, it accepts a larger welfare state and more regulation. Compared with the Third Way, it comes from the liberal tradition rather than from labor parties.

• Third Way 85%The Third Way is the center-left current of the 1990s that set out to renew social democracy by accepting markets and globalization while investing in education, work and public services.
• Social Liberalism 83%Social liberalism holds that individual freedom requires real opportunity, so it pairs a market economy and civil liberties with public education, healthcare and social insurance.
• Moderate Conservatism 83%Moderate conservatism values tradition, stability and markets but accepts gradual social change, the welfare state and international cooperation, preferring careful reform to sharp breaks.
• Social Democracy 83%Social democracy accepts a market economy and parliamentary democracy but uses taxes, strong unions, regulation and a broad welfare state to reduce inequality and protect workers.