A big question for liberals is what is the best strategy to counter right-wing populism and nationalism. Cooperation and conversation or neither?
This weekend, liberals from many countries gather to participate in the Alde congress held in Stockholm. ALDE is an umbrella organisation for liberal parties throughout Europe, including outside the EU. The hosts are Johan Pehrson (L) and Muharrem Demirok (C).
"I believe in the liberal forces and I think we need to unite. We have far too many challenges for us to argue with each other, says Center Party leader Muharrem Demirok about the deep split that exists between his own party and the Liberals in the view of how to handle the Sweden Democrats.
The Tidö agreement is reviewed by Alde
In Sweden, the Center Party has chosen to turn its back on the Sweden Democrats, while the Liberals have done the opposite by governing with the support of the party.
In the European Parliament, this election has led to demands that the Liberals should be thrown out of the Liberal party group, something that has not been accepted.
And within Alde, an investigation is underway into what the Tidö agreement actually means.
Liberal Party leader Johan Pehrson is not worried about such a review and he says that he has no problem meeting skeptical liberals in other countries:
"Not in the slightest. Politics is about winning elections, doing what is possible and making sure to deliver the things that matter to people. We are now seeing a development where several European liberal parties have taken responsibility by being able to talk to all parties.