The second factor is a direct implication of centrifugation. Broadly speaking, liberal parties try to establish themselves in a pivotal position between the left and the right. This often gives them the opportunity to act as kingmakers. However, by moving away from the centre and defining themselves as either right or left, liberal parties reduce their blackmailing and coalition potential. An even sharper confrontation exists in Slovakia, with the two hostile camps of Me iar's HZDS and the pro-Western conservatives, liberals and social democrats united in Dzurinda's government.
Liberal parties remaining between the powerful blocks stand the risk of being crushed.
Finally, emphasis must be placed on the role of the competitors of liberal parties. In their bid to attract new voters and become socially heterogeneous catch-all parties, conservatives and social democrats have incorporated liberal values and displayed a moderate image. Vit nyi could easily be imagined as members of liberal parties. This is not to suggest that party political liberalism in the region is undergoing an existential crisis. There are still many assets which liberal parties possess.