Forum for Democracy (Netherlands)
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Forum for Democracy
Forum voor Democratie |
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|---|---|
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| Abbreviation | FvD |
| Leader | Thierry Baudet |
| Chairman | Paul Frentrop |
| Vice Chairman | Theo Hiddema |
| Secretary | Rob Rooken |
| Treasurer | Henk Otten |
| Leader in the House of Representatives | Thierry Baudet |
| Founder | Thierry Baudet |
| Founded | 22 September 2016 |
| Headquarters | Herengracht 74 Amsterdam |
| Youth wing | Jongerenorganisatie Forum voor Democratie (JFVD) |
| Membership (2017) | 14,000 |
| Ideology |
National conservatism Fiscal conservatism Souverainism Hard Euroscepticism Direct democracy E-governance E-democracy |
| Political position | Right-wing |
| European affiliation | None |
| International affiliation | None |
| European Parliament group | None |
| Colours | Maroon |
| Seats in the Senate |
0 / 75
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| Seats in the House of Representatives |
2 / 150
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| States-Provincial |
0 / 570
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| Seats in the European Parliament |
0 / 26
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| Website | |
| (in Dutch) forumvoordemocratie.nl | |
Forum for Democracy (Dutch: Forum voor Democratie, FvD) is a national-conservative political party in the Netherlands. Founded as a think tank by Thierry Baudet who has been the party's leader since 22 September 2016.
The party first participated in elections during the Dutch general election of 2017. During these elections the party obtained 2 seats in the House of Representatives.
Forum for Democracy was established as a think tank; its main feat was campaigning for the 2016 Dutch Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement referendum. In September 2016, it converted itself into a political party and announced its intention to take part in the 2017 Dutch general election. In joining the democratic system, they hope to change the system.
On 14 March 2017, Forum for Democracy was projected to win between 0 and 2 seats, or approximately 1% of votes, in an average between major polls. The party targeted and attracted voters who used to vote for the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). The FvD ended up with 1.8% of the vote and 2 seats, entering parliament for the first time.
In March 2017 the FvD had approximately 5,000 members. The bulk of the Forum's parliamental candidates do not have prior active experience in other political parties. The list of candidates includes medical specialists, financial experts and a member of the armed forces.
One the major issues the party campaigns against is the perceived existence of a "party cartel", in which the main ruling parties of the country divide power among themselves and conspire towards the same goals, despite claiming to be competitors. The party promises direct democracy through binding referenda, as well as directly elected mayors and a directly elected Prime Minister. The party is also in favour of the government consisting of apolitical experts, and top civil servants having to reapply for their positions when a new cabinet is formed.
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