“He had read exactly one book on economics: Milton Friedman’s Free to Choose. He used it as a policy manual”
In 1992, a 32-year-old historian became Prime Minister of Estonia. He had read exactly one book on economics: Milton Friedman’s Free to Choose. He used it as a policy manual. Western advisors and Estonian economists told him it would fail.
After gaining independence from Soviet Union in 1991, Estonia had a destroyed economy. Inflation over 1,000%. Output falling 30% a year. Massive shortages of fuel and food. 95% of the economy state-owned. 92% of trade locked to a Russia that had stopped paying. The standard recipe for transition economies was gradualism. Step by step. Protect vulnerable sectors. Let the market adjust slowly.
Mart Laar took office in October 1992. Months earlier, Estonia had already broken from the Ruble and launched a new currency, the Kroon, anchored to a strict currency board. The IMF had cautioned against the rigid currency board, warning it would leave no room for monetary policy. Laar refused to loosen it and made it the foundation for everything that followed.
“On January 1, 1994, he did the thing nobody had done before: a 26% flat tax. Same rate for individuals and corporations”
Then he abolished tariffs. Not negotiated. Not phased. Unilateral. Estonia became one open trade zone with no protection for agriculture and no protection for industry. Western advisors warned the domestic economy would collapse.
He privatized fast. By 1994 most state enterprises were in private hands, sold through open public tenders modelled on the German Treuhand to keep oligarchs out. On January 1, 1994, he did the thing nobody had done before: a 26% flat tax. Same rate for individuals and corporations. A basic tax-free allowance for low earners, but no progressivity above it.
No democratic country had ever implemented a flat tax of this kind. Mainstream Western economists called it reckless. They wrote that the poor would carry the burden and that state revenues would collapse. Estonian economists at home told him it would not work. He did it anyway.
“The reforms compounded. By 2003, Estonia had high-speed internet across the entire country and a working digital government”
Then the numbers came in. Estonia grew faster than any other country in Central and Eastern Europe through the rest of the decade. It pulled in more foreign investment per capita than any of its neighbours. By 2000, GDP was growing 6.4% a year.
The reforms compounded. By 2003, Estonia had high-speed internet across the entire country and a working digital government. That same year, a team in Tallinn shipped Skype. A country that had inherited barely functioning Soviet telephone lines was now exporting communication software to the world.
“He didn’t know no country had tried it. He found out afterward. He said that if he had known, he might not have done it”
In 2011, Estonia joined the euro. It met every Maastricht criterion and entered with the lowest public debt in the entire EU. Balanced books, stable inflation, debt below 7% of GDP. A former Soviet republic was the most fiscally disciplined country in the room.
Years later someone asked Laar where the flat tax idea came from. He said he had read Free to Choose and assumed the West had already done it. He didn’t know no country had tried it. He found out afterward. He said that if he had known, he might not have done it.
The experts knew too much. They knew every objection, every precedent, every reason a clean break could not work. Laar didn’t know the objections, so the objections didn’t stop him. He took Friedman at face value and acted.
Latvia copied the flat tax in 1995. Lithuania the same year. Slovakia, Romania, Russia, Georgia, and Ukraine followed over the next decade. Estonia’s GDP per capita overtook Greece’s in purchasing-power terms in the 2010s. The country now produces more unicorn startups per capita than any other in Europe: 7.7 per million people, more than double the runner-up.
The United Independents’ Congress of Jamaica (UIC Jamaica) rose to prominence in 2021 when its Founder and President, Joseph L. Patterson, was arrested for leading a Freedom March on Parliament, against draconian Covid-19 measures. We spoke with their General Secretary Claudia Barrett-Hogarth. The party is a member of International Alliance of Libertarian Parties.
“political power should be restored to ordinary citizens, not concentrated in the hands of wealthy special interests, entrenched party structures, or political elites”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us a bit about your party?
My name is Claudia Barrett-Hogarth. I am a retiree and farmer from the parish of St. Catherine, Jamaica, and I serve as the General Secretary of the United Independents’ Congress of Jamaica, commonly known as UIC Jamaica or simply the UIC.
The UIC is Jamaica’s third registered political party and its first national grassroots political and liberation movement. We are organized around the principle that liberty and personal dignity are rights inherent in the individual and uncompromisable for any individual, body or government to override or contravene. We also believe that political power should be restored to ordinary citizens, not concentrated in the hands of wealthy special interests, entrenched party structures, or political elites. The movement is funded, built, and sustained by ordinary Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora who volunteer their time, resources, skills, and voices because they believe in the UIC’s vision, mission, philosophy, core values, and objectives.
Our Mission is “to create the Non-Partisan Constitutional Republic of Jamaica that protects our individual liberty and promotes personal responsibility in a safe, clean and orderly society where everyone can live, earn and retire with dignity in true liberty”.
This mission is reflected in our Core Values: Individual Liberty; Personal Responsibility; Equal Opportunity; Equal Rights; Equal Justice; A Safe, Clean & Orderly Society; and A Free and Fair Market Economy.
“Our Mission is “to create the Non-Partisan Constitutional Republic of Jamaica that protects our individual liberty and promotes personal responsibility”
The UIC believes that many of Jamaica’s greatest problems are rooted in a lack of true individual liberty, personal responsibility, equal rights, justice, opportunity, public order, and a genuinely free and fair market economy. These failures are the result of bad governance. We therefore emphasize the rights of the individual and the need to limit government to its proper place and function, as outlined in our Philosophy:
“It is the right of every human being to be free. Therefore, the only moral justification of and rightful purpose of government is to protect the life, liberty and property rights of every citizen equally. Good Governance, therefore, is the protection of individual liberty and property rights; the promotion of personal responsibility; and the provision of a safe clean and orderly society that protects our individual and collective sovereignty. This is the only sure foundation for a truly free, fair, peaceful and prosperous society.”
“We believe Jamaica does not merely need a change of political managers. Jamaica needs a change of system”
What do you see as the major challenges facing Jamaica, and what policies is the party championing?
The major challenge facing Jamaica, from which many other problems arise, is bad governance. For over 80 years, Jamaica has suffered from corruption, mismanagement of public funds, excessive centralization of power, weak accountability, and an overbearing political culture that has too often placed partisan interests above the national interest.
The results are visible: high levels of crime and violence, persistent poverty, a weak and underperforming economy, devaluation of the Jamaican dollar, an undereducated citizenry, brain drain, poor roads and infrastructure, and inadequate delivery of essential public services.
The UIC is therefore championing a fundamental transformation of Jamaica’s governance model. Our policy direction includes moving Jamaica toward a Non-Partisan Constitutional Republic, strengthening checks and balances, removing the power of political parties and their neocolonial masters over the state, empowering citizens directly, protecting individual liberty and property rights, reforming taxation, creating a free and fair market economy, and building a safe, clean, orderly, and prosperous society.
We believe Jamaica does not merely need a change of political managers. Jamaica needs a change of system.
“We believe a simpler, fairer, and more disciplined taxation system would reduce wasteful spending and encourage productivity”
If you could introduce policies to change just three things in Jamaica, what would they be?
If the UIC were in a position to introduce policies to change three things in Jamaica, we would focus on the following:
First, we would overhaul the system of governance and elections.
Jamaica’s current system does not give taxpayers proper value for money, nor does it provide sufficient protection against the abuse of power. We would seek to remove the unfair influence of wealthy special interests and entrenched partisan machinery by creating a system in which candidates must first pass a basic governance test, submit to public audit and vetting, and then be nominated on merit.
Once nominated, candidates would receive equal access to public campaign opportunities, including town halls and equal access to television, radio, print, and social media coverage. This would help ensure that elections are based on competence, character, public trust, and policy ideas rather than money, tribalism, or party machinery.
We would also remove partisan tribalism from all levels of governance. Representatives would be elected as individuals on their own merit, not as agents of a party. In the legislature, there would be no separation by party colours or party blocs, but a united, non-partisan Congress of Representatives.
We would also introduce stronger checks and balances. This would include a nationally elected President, elected Vice Presidents representing Jamaica’s three counties, independently elected Senators representing the parishes, and Ministers or Department Secretaries selected for subject-matter competence, publicly vetted by the independent elected Senate, and approved through transparent voting in the House of Representatives. Judges would be appointed through a similarly accountable process. The purpose would be to prevent the concentration of power, reduce conflicts of interest, minimize nepotism, and protect public resources.
Second, we would reform taxation and government revenue.
The UIC would limit government revenue to service fees, a 10% income tax from all sources of income, and a 10% sales tax. The 10% sales tax would be reserved for emergencies, poverty reduction through a workfare programme, and national beautification.
We believe a simpler, fairer, and more disciplined taxation system would reduce wasteful spending and encourage productivity. Health and education should be run as genuine public and corporate services in which the people are stakeholders. With better governance, lower waste, and stronger accountability, these services can be more efficient and properly funded.
The dedicated sales tax would help Jamaica build an emergency reserve, beautify the environment, reduce dependency on borrowing, and systematically address poverty. The goal is to ensure that the country becomes cleaner, safer, more beautiful, and more dignified, while ensuring that those who need support are provided with good housing, healthcare, nutrition, and education, so long as they are willing to work and contribute through the workfare system.
“Land that is not being used for residence or commercial development would be placed into productive use”
Third, we would pursue land ownership and productive use of Jamaica’s land.
The UIC believes that every Jamaican family should become property owners. Land ownership is one of the foundations of liberty, dignity, stability, and economic independence.
We would therefore seek to ensure that land is used in a way that benefits the Jamaican people. Land that is not being used for residence or commercial development would be placed into productive use, especially through organic farming and other sustainable industries. Our vision is for Jamaica to become the organic food capital of the world, with Jamaican citizens becoming shareholders and beneficiaries of the profits generated from its productive use.
“Jamaicans must stop waiting for rescue from the same system that has failed them. We must build and fund an alternative system of governance that serves the people’s best interests”
Is there anything else you want to say to our readers?
Bad governance affects all of us. When people remain silent while systems of power, political actors, and their private backers continue to misuse public authority and public resources, the people become trapped in their own oppression.
The UIC believes that Jamaicans must stop waiting for rescue from the same system that has failed them. We must build and fund an alternative system of governance that serves the people’s best interests and includes strong checks and balances to prevent the same abuses from recurring.
We invite Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora, as well as friends of liberty around the world, to pay attention to what is happening in Jamaica. Our struggle is not only about party politics. It is about liberty, responsibility, justice, opportunity, national dignity, and the right of a people to govern themselves properly.
How can people find out more about what the party is up to?
People can find out more about the United Independents’ Congress of Jamaica through the following platforms:
“DA’91 was founded in 1991 based on the conviction that politics should be honest, substantive, future-oriented, and grounded in democratic principles”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us a bit about your party?
Suriname
My name is Aurelio Ewijk and I serve as Chairman of the Youth Forum and a member of the Presidium within DA’91, a political party in Suriname that stands for democracy, transparency, good governance, and fair sustainable development. DA’91 was founded in 1991 based on the conviction that politics should be honest, substantive, future-oriented, and grounded in democratic principles.
We believe in a Suriname where opportunity, development, and justice are central for every citizen.
“We believe sustainable growth is only possible when citizens regain trust in their government”
What do you see as the major challenges facing Suriname and what policies is the party championing?
Suriname is currently facing several major challenges, including economic instability, a high cost of living, unemployment, corruption, and declining public trust in politics and political institutions. In addition, we believe that education, healthcare, and opportunities for young people deserve greater attention.
DA’91 therefore advocates for transparent governance, stronger state institutions, investments in education and entrepreneurship, and an economy that is less dependent solely on natural resources. We believe sustainable growth is only possible when citizens regain trust in their government.
“We believe in a stable economy in which local entrepreneurs are supported, bureaucracy is reduced, and investments are encouraged”
If you could introduce policies to change just 3 things in Suriname, what would they be?
Strengthening transparency and anti-corruption policies so that public resources genuinely benefit society. We want to introduce stronger oversight mechanisms within government, make public spending more transparent, and strengthen independent institutions so corruption can be effectively addressed. Public resources should be used for the development of the country and not lost through mismanagement.
Investing more in education and youth development, because young people are the key to Suriname’s future. DA’91 wants to invest in modern education, technical training, and digital skills so young people are better prepared for the labor market. We also believe young people should be given more opportunities to develop entrepreneurship and innovation.
Stimulating economic reforms that create more employment, support local entrepreneurs, and provide financial stability for families. We believe in a stable economy in which local entrepreneurs are supported, bureaucracy is reduced, and investments are encouraged. The goal is to create more jobs, restore purchasing power, and provide families with greater financial security.
“Despite the challenges, we continue to believe in the strength, creativity, and resilience of our people”
Is there anything else you want to say to our readers?
Suriname is a country with enormous potential. Despite the challenges, we continue to believe in the strength, creativity, and resilience of our people. Political change begins with engaged citizens who are willing to think along and help build a better future.
With the prospect of billions in future oil and gas revenues, now more than ever is the time to implement radical reforms and ensure that our communities benefit from this economic opportunity.
How can people find out more about what the party is up to?
People can follow DA’91 through our social media channels and other online platforms where we share updates, positions, and activities.
The National Liberal Party (NLP) of Kenya advocates for the equal treatment of individuals under the law regardless of social status, race, ethnicity, sex, or gender. They state that there are many aspects of an individual’s life over which governments have no power to regulate. The party is a member of International Alliance of Libertarian Parties and we spoke with their Secretary General Omondi K’oyoo.
“We must use every single opportunity to resist encroachment on our rights and spread that spirit of resistance”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us a bit about your party?
The NLP is the only real, active liberal movement in Kenya and indeed in the broader East African region. We believe in the fundamentals of liberalism in their entirety, specifically freedom of speech, freedom of movement, and economic development that is not delivered “at the other end of the stick.” Our rally cry and core philosophy is “Maendeleo kwa wote” (Progress/Development for All).
“the NLP is championing policies that fiercely protect civil liberties, roll back state surveillance, and guarantee constitutional protections for political expression”
What do you see as the major challenges facing Kenya and what policies is the party championing?
Kenya, like many longstanding and upcoming democracies, is currently facing an uphill challenge marked by a dwindling democratic space and a troubling rise in autocracy. Civil liberties are actively being stripped away. We are witnessing increased state monitoring and surveillance of social media, alongside the trailing of individuals who express dissenting opinions.
This became tragically evident during and after the June 25 “GenZ” resistance against the Finance Bill. The state’s response resulted in kidnappings, illegal detentions, and the deaths of young people, some of whom have never been found, alive or dead. In the face of this oppressive environment, the NLP is championing policies that fiercely protect civil liberties, roll back state surveillance, and guarantee constitutional protections for political expression.
“Citizens must be able to check, correct, and remind their leaders of their duties through public demonstration”
If you could introduce policies to change just 3 things in Kenya, what would they be?
To increase our liberties and strengthen our democracy, we would implement the following three key structural reforms:
Reform the Political Parties Act: The current Act is restrictive, either by design or systemic failure. The mandatory legal requirement to maintain 24 physical offices across the country is financially prohibitive for upcoming parties, particularly blocking young people who wish to start or belong to new political movements. To maintain the intended goal of ensuring a “national outlook and multi-ethnicity,” we propose reducing this requirement to eight regional offices aligned with the former provinces. From there, the free-market forces of supply and demand should take over: a party should become attractive based on its philosophy, manifesto, and how effectively it serves the community, not by arbitrary bureaucratic hurdles.
Enforce Strict Separation of Powers: We would legally and strictly enforce the separation of duties and powers between the branches and levels of government. This ensures that development projects and vital public services are distributed fairly by law, rather than being weaponized by the ruling elite as political tokens to reward loyalty or punish opposition.
Guarantee Free and Protected Picketing: We would make the right to picket and peacefully protest as free and unhindered as possible. Citizens must be able to check, correct, and remind their leaders of their duties through public demonstration without fear of state violence, abduction, or retaliation.
“no matter how few we may seem, those of us who believe in pro-liberal democracy must not keep quiet”
Is there anything else you want to say to our readers?
Autocrats and dictators globally are getting bolder. They are ganging up and actively crushing the foundational freedoms that our forefathers fought and shed blood for. My message to your readers, and to liberals everywhere, is this: no matter how few we may seem, those of us who believe in pro-liberal democracy must not keep quiet. We must use every single opportunity to resist encroachment on our rights and spread that spirit of resistance.
How can people find out more about what the party is up to?
With the Makerfield by-election hitting the headlines we speak with Dan Clarke, the Libertarian Party candidate.
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m Dan Clarke, I’m the Libertarian Party Parliamentary candidate for the Makerfield by-election. Which is taking place on 18th June. I am also standing in a local council by election for Farnworth ward (Widnes) which is taking place on 25th June.
“We are completely against the “Digital ID” that this authoritarian government is obsessed in pushing through”
Can you outline the main policies and principles of the Libertarian Party?
Our main principles are lower taxes, maximum personal freedom and implementation of a Constitution for the United Kingdom. We want to Enshrine the right to digital freedoms into constitutional law. We are completely against the “Digital ID” that this authoritarian government is obsessed in pushing through.
“This is definitely a by-election to get rid of Starmer, regardless of who wins”
What do you see as the big issues for Makerfield and what if elected what would you hope to champion?
The big issues I see in Makerfield are huge dislike of Kier Starmer. This is definitely a by-election to get rid of Starmer, regardless of who wins. If I win, I will champion constituents right to privacy. I will work tirelessly to stoop ‘Digital ID’ From happening. People have a right to privacy.
“the time for classical liberalism/Libertarianism is now. The movement is growing, we are fighting more elections”
Any other thoughts you would like to share with our readers?
My thoughts for your readers are- the time for classical liberalism/Libertarianism is now. The movement is growing, we are fighting more elections. We are showing the UK that we are here, we are serious and we will eventually succeed.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
For anyone wishing to help out campaigning in Makerfield can either contact the party via our website or contact me directly via email: Dan.clarke@libertarianpartyuk.com.
“We believe prosperity and social progress are best achieved when individuals are empowered with freedom, responsibility, and equal opportunity”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us a bit about your party?
My name is Dr. Gopi Lal Neupane, PhD in Industrial Management Psychology and I am the Chairperson of Nepal Liberal Party. I have 30+ years University teaching and management experience. I have written several books on financial literacy and building libertarian values among which Nepal at the Verge of Capitalism and Nepalese Psychology are among the most appreciated by readers.
Our party, the Nepal Liberal Party, advocates for individual freedom, classical liberalism, and liberty-centred governance. We believe prosperity and social progress are best achieved when individuals are empowered with freedom, responsibility, and equal opportunity under a fair legal framework.
“Our party champions policies that strengthen economic freedom, rule of law”
What do you see as the major challenges facing Nepal and what policies is the party championing?
Difficulty in doing business and entrepreneurship barriers
Our party champions policies that strengthen economic freedom, rule of law, entrepreneurship, private enterprise, property rights, individual liberty, and transparent governance.
“We believe freedom is a universal value. Let us unite liberals across the globe in support of liberty, human dignity, free enterprise”
If you could introduce policies to change just 3 things in Nepal, what would they be?
If we could prioritize three major changes, they would be:
Strengthening individual freedom
Advancing classical liberal economic and political principles
Establishing and promoting liberal democratic values throughout society
We believe these reforms would create a stronger foundation for prosperity, innovation, and social development.
Is there anything else you want to say to our readers?
We believe freedom is a universal value. Let us unite liberals across the globe in support of liberty, human dignity, free enterprise, and peaceful cooperation among nations.
How can people find out more about what the party is up to?
Digital ID is back on the agenda. It was announced as a bill in the King Speech, and many believe it is coming in via the back door with social media and internet age restrictions.
Join our panel of Viggo Terling of the Adam Smith Institute, and Darwin Friend of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, for a discussion on if Digital ID will prove a panacea or a dystopia, and what if anything we can do about it.
Expect strong views, straight talk, and practical ideas. The evening kicks off with a lively panel discussion, followed by your chance to fire questions at the experts.
Grab a pint, sharpen your arguments, and stay informed on this key issue of government oversight in the digital world.
Free entry – arrive early for a good spot! See you at the pub—because real change starts over a drink and a debate.
Darwin Friend TaxPayers’ AllianceViggo Terling Adam Smith Institute
“The Liberal Party was born out of the urgent need to offer Angolans, especially the youth, a genuine political alternative”
The Liberal Party emerged as a political project in 2024 and was officially legalized by the Constitutional Court in February 2025. We are the first and only right-wing political force in Angola, founded on the principles of Economic Liberalism and Conservatism.
The Liberal Party was born out of the urgent need to offer Angolans, especially the youth, a genuine political alternative. We are a predominantly young movement, led by our President, Luís de Castro, a 40-year-old who represents a new generation committed to change, economic freedom, and national development.
Angola has an extremely young population: around 80% of its citizens are between 18 and 30 years old. This youth seeks financial independence, real opportunities, the ability to undertake business ventures, and the freedom to build their own future. Unfortunately, we live in a country rich in natural resources, yet its wealth remains concentrated in the hands of an elite connected to the socialist system that has governed Angola since independence on November 11, 1975.
The time has come to say enough is enough.
“we live in a country rich in natural resources, yet its wealth remains concentrated in the hands of an elite connected to the socialist system”
Angolan youth demand a new political landscape, and the Liberal Party is the alternative in which thousands of young people already see themselves represented.
Currently, Angola’s main challenge is economic. The country operates under an extremely centralized model, where many citizens feel that access to opportunities depends on ties to the ruling party. Unemployment stands at around 30%, despite Angola being one of Africa’s largest oil producers.
Despite its enormous natural wealth, Angola lacks policies capable of creating opportunities for its people. Excessive bureaucracy, corruption, and economic concentration hinder private sector growth and make life difficult for entrepreneurs.
“We will open the economy and promote free competition. All Angolans must have access to the economic market without political discrimination”
The Liberal Party presents concrete solutions through its governance program: DPL (Debureaucratize, Privatize, and Liberalize).
Debureaucratize
We will eliminate the bureaucratic obstacles that hinder economic growth. In Angola, opening or registering a company can take months or even years. We want to simplify procedures, digitalize services, and create a favourable environment for entrepreneurs and investors.
Privatize
We support the privatization of sectors where the Angolan state has proven inefficient. Sectors such as oil, diamonds, and others cannot continue to serve merely as instruments of corruption and political enrichment. Through transparency and efficient private management, these sectors can generate greater wealth and opportunities for all Angolans.
Liberalize
We will open the economy and promote free competition. All Angolans must have access to the economic market without political discrimination or party privilege. The state must stop excessively controlling the economy and instead create conditions that allow citizens to prosper through merit, hard work, and private initiative.
“The Liberal Party believes in a free, prosperous, modern Angola based on individual responsibility, meritocracy, and equal opportunities for all”
If we had to prioritize three areas for change in Angola, we would begin by:
Privatizing the oil sector and establishing strategic partnerships with the United States of America and other international partners;
Developing the country’s mineral resources in collaboration with the private sector, ensuring transparency and economic development;
Investing massively in Education and Healthcare until we achieve high development standards, while later guaranteeing sustainable and efficient models that ensure quality services for citizens.
The Liberal Party believes in a free, prosperous, modern Angola based on individual responsibility, meritocracy, and equal opportunities for all.
To our readers, we leave this appeal: follow our actions, support the cause of Angolan liberals, and join the fight for freedom.
We are fighting for freedom, and we will prevail.
“We are the first and only right-wing political force in Angola, founded on the principles of Economic Liberalism and Conservatism”
With a name surely we can all get behind, we speak with Áron Ecsenyi of LA75 (Cut Taxes by 75% Party) to share their vision for a freer, more prosperous Hungary. The party is a member of International Alliance of Libertarian Parties.
“We are not professional politicians; we are citizens tired of the “rent-seeking” state”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us a bit about your party?
We are the “LE AZ ADÓK 75%-ÁVAL PÁRT” (Cut Taxes by 75% Party), a grassroots movement representing the growing demand for libertarianism in Hungary. We are not professional politicians; we are citizens tired of the “rent-seeking” state that consumes over half of our nation’s GDP. Our mission is to dismantle the oppressive bureaucracy, eliminate the state’s monopoly on services, and return the power and property to the individual.
What do you see as the major challenges facing Hungary and what policies is the party championing?
The major challenge is a deeply entrenched “dependency culture.” The current system is a leviathan where 84% of state spending goes toward maintaining a rent-seeking network (including corporate subsidies, state-run monopolies, and massive debt interest) while only 16% covers law and order and national defence, legal, administrative, disaster management, first aid, and inpatient care costs.
We champion a radical “chainsaw” approach, inspired by the successful model of Javier Milei in Argentina. Our core policies include:
The 75% Tax Cut: Drastically reducing the tax burden to stimulate capital accumulation and private investment.
Privatization of State Monopolies: Abolishing the state’s control over education, healthcare, and media to restore competition and quality.
Ending Fiscal Dominance: Stopping the state-funded propaganda machine and dismantling the web of subsidies that keep citizens dependent on the political class.
Bonus: veto the EU budget
“Abolishing the state’s control over education, healthcare, and media to restore competition and quality”
If you could introduce policies to change just 3 things in Hungary, what would they be?
The “Láncfűrész” (Chainsaw) Reform: Immediately cut 75% of state spending by eliminating all non-essential state subsidies, investment projects, and government-controlled media, thereby balancing the budget and ending inflation caused by monetary expansion.
Educational Freedom: Abolish the state education monopoly. Shift to a system of full school choice and private funding, allowing parents to reclaim the massive amounts of money currently extracted from them via taxes for a broken, creativity-killing system.
Deregulation of the Labor Market: Eliminate the massive social security and payroll taxes that make work unaffordable for both employees and employers, transforming Hungary into a competitive, high-growth, pro-market hub similar to the success of Singapore.
“Eliminate the massive social security and payroll taxes that make work unaffordable for both employees and employers”
Is there anything else you want to say to our readers?
The “Socialism” or “Fascism” is a false dichotomy. They are the same. The lack of this recognition causes passivity among intellectuals: “Why should I abandon socialism if it brings me closer to fascism?”
Across the world, we are seeing the same pattern: massive states, eroding freedoms, and stagnating real wages. We want to send a message to our international allies in London and beyond: the battle for liberty is global. Real change doesn’t come from electing “better” politicians to manage the same broken machine; it comes from destroying the machine itself. We hope our struggle inspires those in the UK fighting for the same principles of classical liberalism.
“The “Socialism” or “Fascism” is a false dichotomy. They are the same”
How can people find out more about what the party is up to?
People can support our fight for a free Hungary and EU and learn more about our ongoing initiatives, including our independent public opinion research efforts, through the following channels:
We are also currently collecting donations so that our organization can explode into public life.
Thursday 7th May was local election day up and down the country and for us in Croydon this meant the election of an Executive Mayor, and 70 councillors. It is worth noting under the system used in Croydon most of the powers of the local authority are held by the Executive Mayor and the winner / winning party of that role effectively ‘runs the council’. Councillors still fulfil important functions but unless a party has a large majority, most decisions are made by the mayor. In the case of Croydon due to the financial problems, the Commissionaires appointed by government make many of what few decisions can be made. I should declare the author of this article was a candidate in the council elections.
Mayoral Vote
Existing Conservative Mayor Jason Perry won re-election in a tight race against Rowenna Davis of Labour. The electoral system has changed since 2022, to first past the post from a second preference system. This makes comparisons difficult; however, it does appear that a large percentage of the votes that went to independents in 2022, moved to Greens and Reform in 2026.
Mayor Votes
2026
2022 (1st Choice Votes)
Change in 26
Conservatives
35,871
33413
2,458
Labour
34,758
31352
3,406
Green Party
19,404
6193
13,211
Reform UK
14,467
n/a
14,467
Liberal Democrats
7,815
9967
-2,152
Taking the Initiative Party of Britain
2,597
5768
-3,171
Jose JOSEPH – Independent
1,568
n/a
1,568
Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
461
n/a
461
MCKENZIE, Winston Truman – Independent
n/a
1324
-1,324
PALMER, Gavin Francis Luffa – Independent
n/a
1114
-1,114
PELLING, Andrew John – Independent
n/a
6807
-6,807
% turnout
41
35
Mayor % of Valid Votes
2026
2022 (1st Choice Votes)
Change in 26
Conservatives
30.67%
34.83%
-4.15%
Labour
29.72%
32.68%
-2.96%
Green Party
16.59%
6.46%
10.14%
Reform UK
12.37%
n/a
12.37%
Liberal Democrats
6.68%
10.39%
-3.71%
Taking the Initiative Party of Britain
2.22%
6.01%
-3.79%
Jose JOSEPH – Independent
1.34%
n/a
1.34%
Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
0.39%
n/a
0.39%
MCKENZIE, Winston Truman – Independent
n/a
1.38%
-1.38%
PALMER, Gavin Francis Luffa – Independent
n/a
1.16%
-1.16%
PELLING, Andrew John – Independent
n/a
7.10%
-7.10%
Votes for Mayor outside of the 5 main parties collapsed from 15.65% in 2022, to 3.96% in 2026. Roughly half of this change can be attributed to Andrew Pelling (Former Councillor, GLA member and MP) running as an independent in 2022, but much of the rest is perhaps reflected in an increase in votes for the Greens and Reform.
One other point of note is how parties did in the mayoral election compared to the councillor elections. Again, comparisons are impacted not all parties running a full slate. However, it does suggest some consolidation of voting around the two poll leaders for the mayoral vote.
2026 Mayoral v Councillor
Mayor
Councillors
Difference
Conservatives
30.67%
26.55%
-4.12%
Labour
29.72%
26.30%
-3.43%
Green Party
16.59%
23.00%
6.41%
Reform UK
12.37%
13.92%
1.55%
Liberal Democrats
6.68%
9.00%
2.32%
Councillors Votes
The councillor votes threw up a greater mix of winners. We now have a council chamber made up of 30 Labour councillors, 28 Conservative, 8 Green, 2 LibDem, and 2 Reform.
Whilst much is made of the fact in multi-party (effectively 5 way) elections a small percentage of the vote can secure a victory all except 1 winning party achieved over 30% of the vote in their ward, and this was in a split ward. I have based this on total votes for the party in a ward.
Ward
Party with most votes
% of valid votes
Gap over 2nd
Sanderstead
Conservatives
55.35%
42.26%
Kenley
Conservatives
47.11%
31.09%
Purley and Woodcote
Conservatives
46.54%
28.20%
Coulsdon Town
Conservatives
38.75%
21.71%
Broad Green
Labour
44.09%
20.33%
Park Hill and Whitgift
Conservatives
40.74%
19.26%
West Thornton
Labour
38.92%
18.50%
Purley Oaks and Riddlesdown
Conservatives
38.63%
17.35%
Selsdon and Addington Village
Conservatives
37.84%
16.97%
Fairfield
Green Party
43.90%
15.55%
Selsdon Vale and Forestdale
Conservatives
37.58%
14.64%
Selhurst
Labour
43.07%
14.17%
Shirley South
Conservatives
34.00%
12.68%
Waddon
Labour
35.06%
10.63%
Bensham Manor
Labour
36.99%
10.40%
Addiscombe West
Labour
36.86%
10.23%
Thornton Heath
Labour
38.24%
9.30%
Shirley North
Conservatives
32.43%
9.15%
New Addington North
Labour
36.26%
9.04%
South Croydon
Conservatives
31.17%
7.52%
Norbury Park
Labour
35.40%
7.31%
Norbury and Pollards Hill
Labour
37.61%
7.02%
Woodside
Labour
36.76%
5.93%
Old Coulsdon
Conservatives
37.13%
5.80%
New Addington South
Reform UK
32.97%
3.95%
Crystal Palace and Upper Norwood
Green Party
31.89%
2.56%
South Norwood
Green Party
36.29%
2.49%
Addiscombe East
Labour
28.85%
1.14%
Of course, winning the most votes doesn’t mean you will get all the councillors. 5 wards had split votes in this election. In some cases that split indicated a significant personal vote for well-known local councillors, and in the case of Addiscombe East saw the same Labour / Conservative split and councillors returned as in 2022. Whatever you think of the politics of any individual, achieving a personal vote in local elections few pay attention to, and that receive little local media coverage is a significant achievement.
South Norwood (2 Green, 1 Labour)
Woodside (2 Labour, 1 Green)
Old Coulsdon (1 Conservative, 1 LibDem) – what looks like significant personal votes for Margaret Bird and Gill Hickson, both very well known locally.
Crystal Palace and Upper Norwood (1 LibDem, 2 Greens) – with what looks like a very large personal vote for Cllr Claire Bonham who was first elected in 2022.
Addiscombe East (1 Conservative, 1 Labour) – with both Jeet Bains and Maddie Henson, both well-known locals, returned again.
The future
Shortly after the elections finish everyone starts thinking about the next elections for the GLA, and Parliament, but also 4 years from now for Council. One thing party’s will look at is where they finished second, and if they can build in those areas. For Croydon this is how things stand.
Green Party – 11 wards: Conservative held Purley and Woodcote, Purley Oaks and Riddlesdown, and Labour held Addiscombe West, Bensham Manor, Broad Green, Norbury and Pollards Hill, Norbury Park, Selhurst, Thornton Heath, West Thornton, Woodside.
Reform UK – 8 wards: Conservative held Coulsdon Town, Kenley, Sanderstead, Selsdon and Addington Village, Selsdon Vale and Forestdale, Shirley North, Shirley South and Labour held New Addington North.
Labour – 4 wards: Conservative held Park Hill and Whitgift, South Croydon, Green held Fairfield and split South Norwood.
Conservatives – 3 wards: Split Addiscombe East, Reform held New Addington South and Labour held Waddon.
Liberal Democrats – 2 wards: Split Crystal Palace and Upper Norwood and Old Coulsdon.
