Foundation and Ideology
The New Flemish Alliance is a relatively young political party, founded in the autumn of 2001. Being one of the successors of the Volksunie (1954–2001), it is, however, based on an established political tradition. The N-VA works towards the same goal as its predecessor: to redefine Flemish nationalism in a contemporary, pro-European setting. Party leader De Wever calls himself a conservative and a nationalist.
The N-VA argues for a Flemish republic, a member state of a democratic European confederation. The party believes that the challenges of the 21st century can best be answered by strong communities and by well-developed international co-operation, a position which is reflected in their tagline: "Necessary in Flanders, useful in Europe." (Dutch: Nodig in Vlaanderen, nuttig in Europa.)
A label for the political orientation of the N-VA is difficult to find as the party combines both left and right-wing policies. According to its 2009 election programme for Flanders, the N-VA is economically liberal and ecologically green. It supports public transport, open source software, renewable energy and taxing cars by the actual number of kilometers driven. It wants more aid for developing countries but also more compulsory measures to require that immigrants learn Dutch.
On the European level the N-VA is part of the European Free Alliance that consists mainly of regionalist or minority parties. The EFA forms a parliamentary group together with the European Green Party. The N-VA has been invited to move to the European Conservatives and Reformists group, after Bart De Wever was invited to talks with British Prime Minister David Cameron in March 2011.
Read more about this topic: New Flemish Alliance
Famous quotes containing the words foundation and/or ideology:
“The Bermudas are said to have been discovered by a Spanish ship of that name which was wrecked on them.... Yet at the very first planting of them with some sixty persons, in 1612, the first governor, the same year, “built and laid the foundation of eight or nine forts.” To be ready, one would say, to entertain the first ship’s company that should be next shipwrecked on to them.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“Commerce is greedy. Ideology is bloodthirsty.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)