Forum for Democracy Party

The Dutch Forum for Democracy (Forum voor Democratie, FvD) is a political party in the Netherlands that was founded in 2016 by Thierry Baudet and Henk Otten. It emerged from a think tank that Baudet had established in 2015, initially focusing on the critique…   of the European Union and advocating for a referendum on Dutch EU membership. The party quickly broadened its platform to include a wide range of issues, positioning itself on the right of the Dutch political spectrum.<br /><br />The Forum for Democracy has been known for its nationalist, conservative views, emphasizing the importance of Dutch culture and identity. It advocates for strict immigration controls, arguing that current policies threaten national sovereignty and social cohesion. The party also expresses skepticism towards climate change policies, proposing instead to invest in innovation and nuclear energy, questioning the effectiveness and economic impact of the current climate measures adopted by other parties.<br /><br />Economically, the FvD supports deregulation and tax cuts, aiming to reduce the size of government and enhance individual freedom and entrepreneurship. It has also been vocal about its criticism of the political establishment, which it perceives as out of touch with the concerns of ordinary citizens, and has called for direct democracy measures, such as referendums, to increase public influence on policy-making.<br /><br />The FvD's stance on cultural and social issues is conservative, advocating for traditional values and expressing concern over what it sees as the erosion of these values through immigration and multiculturalism. The party has also been critical of what it perceives as excessive political correctness and the influence of progressive ideologies in education and media.<br /><br />Since its inception, the Forum for Democracy has experienced significant fluctuations in popularity, marked by internal conflicts and controversies, particularly related to accusations of extremist sympathies within its ranks. Despite these challenges, the FvD has managed to secure representation in both the Dutch Parliament and the European Parliament, reflecting a segment of the Dutch electorate that resonates with its message of national sovereignty, cultural preservation, and skepticism towards established political norms and institutions.Read more