In general, liberalism in Europe is a political movement that supports a broad tradition of individual liberties and constitutionally-limited and democratically accountable government. This usually encompasses the belief that government should act to alleviate poverty and other social problems, but not through radical changes to the structure of society.
European liberals are divided on the degree of government intervention in economy, but generally they favor limited intervention. Most European liberal parties today adhere to conservative liberalism, with only a minority adhering to the principles of social liberalism, such as the British Liberal Democrats.
Read more about Liberalism In Europe: Liberal Practices
Famous quotes containing the words liberalism and/or europe:
“There are two kinds of liberalism. A liberalism which is always, subterraneously authoritative and paternalistic, on the side of one’s good conscience. And then there is a liberalism which is more ethical than political; one would have to find another name for this. Something like a profound suspension of judgment.”
—Roland Barthes (1915–1980)
“What helps it now, that Byron bore,
With haughty scorn which mock’d the smart,
Through Europe to the Aetolian shore
The pageant of his bleeding heart?
That thousands counted every groan,
And Europe made his woe her own?”
—Matthew Arnold (1822–1888)