A Political and Economic Dictionary of Western Europe, First Edition
People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy
The People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy, or Volkspartij voor Vrijheid en Democratie (VVD), is the main liberal party in the Netherlands. Founded in 1948, it brought together three liberal political movements. The party is non-confessional and promotes the freedom of individuals, pluralism in society, and respect for human rights. It supports the decentralization of democratic participation and the social market economy.
The third party in Dutch politics, VVD was a coalition partner in 1977–81, 1982–86 and 1986–89. Following a collapse of the vote for the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) in 1994, VVD governed again in 1994–98 and 1998–2002 as the second party in the Netherlands in the so-called ‘purple coalitions’ between the Labour Party, VVD and Democrats 66 (D66). These were the first coalition governments in which the Christian Democrats were not included since 1918. In the 2002 elections the Christian Democrats and VVD entered into a coalition with the CDA and the List Pim Fortuyn that lasted for only 87 days. In elections held on 22 January 2003 the party won 27 seats in the 150-seat Tweede Kamer and entered into a coalition with the CDA and D66.
Party Leader: Jan van Zanen
Address: Laan Copes van Cattenburch 52, 2585 GV The Hague, or POB 30836, 2500 The Hague, Netherlands
Tel: (0)70 3613061
Fax: (0)70 3608276
E-mail: alg.sec@vvd.nl
Internet: www.vvd.nl
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