Liberal Democrats (Valruzia)

The Liberal Democrats is a pro-market, pro-freedom party of the Valruzian Federation. The Liberal Democrats believe in a slightly moderated free market, a politically active population, extensive civil rights and in the promotion of technical innovations. It's a member of the International Association Libertarian Parties (IALP). Its current leader is Lidia Strongfield. The Liberal Democrats are the oldest active party in Valruzia.

They're commonly referred to as the 'LD' or the 'Lib Dems'.

Cabinets
The Liberal Democrats are a party that is in power almost always. Most of the time they form coalitions with either the Deadly Buzz Party or the Libertarian Party, or both.

Currently they're in a cabinet with the Deadly Buzz Party and hold the following ministries:

* Foreign Affairs * Health and Social Services * Education * Science, Technology and Agriculture

History
Originally the Liberal Democrats started out as an organisation of merchants and scientists in the regions of Hulbark and Tirkalara, their traditional strongholds. It's goals were to improve trade, welfare, education and technology in Valruzia. When the first elections were being held they were still named the 'Valruzian Liberal Democrats'. At the next election they were already renamed to just the 'Liberal Democrats'. In 2077 they collapsed due to various corruption scandals. In 2084 they returned with a new leader Nijntje Pluijs.

Electoral Results
These are the electoral results of the Liberal Democrats throughout the years. If a year is in bold, it means that the Liberal Democrats won the presidential elections. Year 	Seats 	% 	Seats Difference 	% difference 2037 15	25 	1st election 1st election 2042 	27	15 	+12 -10 2045  	40	23 	+13 +8 2047  	29	17 	-11 -6 2050 35	20 	+6 +3 2052  	38	22 	+3 +2 2055  	32	18 	-6 -4 2057  	42	24 	+10 +6 2060  	39	25 	-3 +1 2062 	50	29 	+11 +4 2065  	35	20 	-15 -9

Former Leaders
* Boris Hasselhoff (2037-2041) (Founder)

* Charles Burgh (2041-2047) (President: 2045-2047)(Co-founder)

* Gustav Lioni (2047-2052) (President: 2050-2052)(Co-founder)

* Rudolf Tanara (2052-2065) (President: 2057-2060 and 2062-2065)