Liberal Democratic Party (WFAC)

Free Democrats - Liberal Party
The Liberal Democratic Party (Czech: Liberálně demokratická strana, Slovak: Liberálno demokratická strana, LDS) is a liberal-conservative and classical liberal political party in Czechoslovakia. The LDS is led by and, until the 2013 federal election, served as one of the junior coalition partners to the Republican Party in the Czechoslovak federal government.

The party was founded in 1908 as the Czechoslovak Traders' Party, a laissez-faire liberal political party established to represent independent retailers and craftsmen. It ran on a right-wing platform, and co-operated with the Republican Party of Farmers and Peasants in Parliament. In the first Czechoslovak elections in 1920 the ČŽOS won six seats in the Chamber of Deputies and three in the Senate. The 1925 elections saw the party increase its parliamentary representation, winning 13 seats in the Chamber and six in the Senate. In the 1929 elections the ČŽOS was reduced to 12 seats in the Chamber, but retained its six Senate seats. The party was more successful in the 1935 elections, winning 17 seats in the Chamber and eight in the Senate.

The Free Democrats have served as either parliamentary support or as a junior coalition partner in most right-wing governments under the Republican Party in the post-war era. However, when became party leader in 1983, the party started a political and ideological journey which was described by observers as representing a turn towards right-wing populism. This new political course soon resulted in a strong surge in electoral support for the party, although it also led to some political isolation. Notably Klaus' hostile relationship with Vladimír Mečiar led to the collapse of 's government in 1991. Under the leadership of, and Fiala, the party has had mixed results.

Name changes

 * 1908–1952: Czechoslovak Traders' Party (Československá živnostensko-obchodnická strana středostavovská, ČŽOS)
 * Since 1952: Free Democrats - Liberal Party (Svobodní demokraté - Liberální strana, SD-LS)