National Democratic Party (Chile)

The National Democratic Party (Partido Democrático Nacional, Paden) was a Chilean political party that existed from 1958 to 1960. It emerged as a splinter group from the Radical Party (Partido Radical) during a period of internal division within the Radicals over their support for the government of President Carlos Ibáñez del Campo. The Paden positioned itself as a more strongly anti-clerical and left-leaning alternative to the mainstream Radical Party.

The party's founding was largely attributed to the dissatisfaction of some Radical members with the perceived conservatism of the Radical leadership at the time. Key figures in the Paden included individuals who advocated for greater state intervention in the economy and stronger social reforms.

The Paden had a brief existence, participating in the 1958 parliamentary elections. However, it failed to gain significant electoral traction. In 1960, the party merged with the National Popular Party (Partido Nacional Popular) to form the Radical Democratic Party (Partido Democrático Radical). This merger aimed to consolidate the left-leaning factions that had broken away from the Radical Party into a more viable political force. The Radical Democratic Party continued to exist for several years, attempting to champion a more progressive agenda within the Chilean political landscape. The legacy of the National Democratic Party is thus intertwined with the broader history of fragmentation and realignment within the Radical movement in Chile during the mid-20th century.