Independent Senate Group

The Dutch Independent Senate Group, known in Dutch as the Onafhankelijke Senaatsfractie (OSF), is a political party in the Netherlands that primarily represents the interests of regional and local parties at the national level, specifically in the Eerste Kamer, the Dutch Senate. The OSF serves as a platform for various provincial and local parties that do not have the size or resources to compete on a national scale on their own. By uniting under the OSF banner, these parties gain a voice in the national legislative process, allowing them to advocate for issues and policies that are importa…  nt to their constituents at the regional and local levels.

The values and policies of the OSF are inherently diverse, reflecting the wide range of interests and ideologies of the member parties. However, there are common themes that the OSF champions, including the importance of local governance, decentralization of power from the national government to regional and local authorities, and the protection of regional cultures and languages. The party places a strong emphasis on sustainability, social justice, and the economy, advocating for policies that balance economic development with environmental protection and social equity.

The OSF's commitment to these values is rooted in the belief that local and regional perspectives are crucial in addressing national and global challenges. By promoting the interests of regional and local parties, the OSF aims to ensure that these perspectives are represented in the Dutch Senate, contributing to a more balanced and inclusive approach to governance in the Netherlands.