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Centrism
The Tightrope Walker
«The truth often lies in the middle.»
Wary of extreme positions, looks for balanced solutions case by case, judging proposals by their real-world effects more than by their label.
In short
On the traditional scale, this ideology sits in the center camp. The clearest positions are on method: strongly towards “reform”. On economy, state, society, sovereignty, religion, environment, technology, foreign policy, justice, democracy, devolution and immigration it stays balanced. Among the other ideologies, the closest is third way (87%).
Principles
- Pragmatism
- Moderation and compromise
- Stable institutions
Pragmatism and moderation: take the best from left and right, case by case.
Common criticisms
Where it comes from
More an attitude than a doctrine; in Italy it recalls the tradition of the centrist parties of the First Republic.
Key figures: Aldo Moro, Angela Merkel, Carlo Calenda
Further reading: The Future of Democracy — Norberto Bobbio; Nicomachean Ethics — Aristotle
Position on the 13 axes
Similar ideologies
Third WayThe Modernizer87%Christian democracyThe Weaver86%OrdoliberalismThe Referee85%Closest parties in Europe
KeskustaFinland93%
Fianna FáilIreland93%
Polskie Stronnictwo LudowePoland90%
Sozialdemokratische Partei DeutschlandsGermany89%Closest figures
Positions are estimates based on documented ideas, platforms and actions, updated to October 2026.