Germany’s Free Democrats — a pro-free-market party — will share leadership in coalition with the conservative Christian Democrats after gaining enough seats in federal elections last week.

UK’s ruling Labour Party trails behind both the Tories and the Liberal Democrats in recent polling.

Conservative parties’ rise marks an interesting shift in power dynamics throughout Europe. Both the Liberal Democrats and Free Democrats are very similar to the Libertarians in the US, emphasizing individual liberties, limited government, and free-market principles. Their party colors are Orange and Yellow, respectively.

It’s quite a peculiar development considering this recession means the death of free-market economics.

Indeed this should be a boon for leftist parties all over the world, yet they seem to be suffering more from this recession than conservative parties.

So, back to the original question: is Western Europe headed for a free-market revolution?

Hopefully yes, but that may just be wishful thinking. Germany’s electoral projections may indicate another reason conservatives are winning seats.

Leftists appear to be leaving the Social Democrats for hard-left parties. Their absence is splitting the left vote between them and hard-left parties — allowing the more conservative parties to assume a viable role in power sharing.

Ironically, dissatisfaction with free-market capitalism may be empowering its champions.

—by Justin Sugg