Dutch political party founded in 1948 from a merger of the Partij van de Vrijheid, led by D U Stikker, and a group split off from the Partij van de Arbeid, led by P J Oud. They believed that freedom, responsibility, and social justice should be based on Christian principles. It gradually developed into the most important centre party, gaining about 17 per cent of the popular vote, and provided the natural opposition to the PvdA, joining regularly in coalitions. Under the leadership of F Bolkestein since 1994, the party is associated with the Liberal Internationale and the European Liberal Democrats. In 1981 the party published its Liberaal Manifest setting out its principles. In addition they publish a twice-weekly paper Vrijheid en Democratie.