English version
D66 (Democrats 1966) is a progressive liberal party and recognises its roots in the free-spirited leftist liberal party Vrijzinnig Democratische Bond (1901-1946). Hans van Mierlo, co-founder of D66, formulated the party’s position in the political spectrum clearly: “Both liberalism and socialism together have been sources of inspiration for our party. This is justified by the fact that during their historic developments, both movements have taken responsibility for a part of the whole truth, and, consequently have turned that part into the whole truth. As a result, things that were complementary have become opposites, have become caricatures of themselves: Liberty against equality, individual against community, selfregulation against government, individuality against solidarity.” The ideas of D66 give testimony to the idea that true liberalism is social, because it strives for the greatest possible future and self-determination for all individuals.
D66 has for a long time disliked the use of labels to frame the party’s identity. Since its establishment there have been discussions about calling the party ‘progressive liberal’ or ‘freethinking democrat’. This hesistation to acknowledge an ideology as leading, also had its consequences for international politics. D66 MEP Jan-Willem Bertens had joined the liberal group in the European Parliament in 1989 in his personal capacity while D66 was not ready to choose for the liberal label at the time. Only in 1994 D66 joined ELDR. As of 1999 the party calls itself social-liberal. At present, D66 is characterised as progressive and social-liberal party.
Guiding principles
Trust in people’s own power
We believe in the power of people and their ability to develop as individuals. This is why we feel optimistic about the future. People have the creative ability to keep coming up with new solutions. We want a government that supports people’s intrinsic creativity and resourcefulness. Individual people are the key to change and we want a government that acknowledges this fact. What people can do for themselves and for others is far more important and effective than anything a government might legislate.
Think and act internationally
Societies are becoming interdependent in an ever increasing number of ways. We welcome the world and exclude no-one. In everything we do, we consider the effects our actions may have on others in the world. We recognise that Europe and the Netherlands are increasingly becoming one. International cooperation and economic progress are the keys to a world with fewer wars and conflicts. Our decisions must be pragmatic, level-headed and based on facts.
Reward performance and share wealth
People differ from one another, yet at the same time they are all equal. Each individual is unique and we want a government that provides the freedom for those differences to flourish. We seek economic independence for as many people as possible and we believe in rewarding those who excel. We want a dynamic, open society in which everyone has the freedom to make their own decisions and to develop as they wish. We consider it a matter of course that wealth should be shared. We want to see as many people as possible participating socially and economically because that is the road to increased prosperity for everyone. We acknowledge that for we all share responsibility for those in our society in less fortunate social and economic circumstances.
Work toward a sustainable and harmonious society
We want to embrace the world with respect and compassion. That respect and compassion applies both to the people around us and our environment. The earth is neither our personal property and nor an expendable consumer good. We wish to end the depletion and pollution of our environment. We feel the discussion on the environment should shift the burden of proof from having to find arguments in defence of preservation to arguments in defence of exploitation.
Cherish our civil rights and shared values
The fundamental values of our society are freedom and equality for everyone, regardless of belief, religion, sexual orientation, political views or ethnicity. Physical safety, non-violent solutions to conflicts of interest and the respectful exercise of freedom of expression as well as good governance and rule of law, form our core values. These values are universal and paramount. We defend civil rights, both at home and elsewhere.
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D66 Breda
Democrats 66 is looking towards politics with a positive attitude: we are clear, think in people and not in groups, we start at you, not at the rules and keep an eye on the future.
We expect the local government to provide you with a professional service. This means: reliable and transparent for the inhabitants and have a good municipal service. By being critical on the tasks they perform we can limit local charges: less taxes. As a coalition party for the past four years, D66 has accomplished successes to be proud of. We would like to continue to do so in the future.
Education, education, education
For us, realizing better education has always been our priority. We offer education the space and trust to work on this. D66 stand for an all-in-one school, one that is connecting education and culture. We believe that this can be achieved if we work together with the students, lecturers and industry. Not only politicians. There are quite some international students in Breda as well, many from the European Union. A strong and reliable relation within the EU will ensure education remains available to everyone, even from abroad.
Good education is the engine of the economy: we want to create more jobs in Breda. Restructuring the area around the station and the station itself could create a foundation for more jobs in the new creative industry. A lively culture-sector brings jobs and money. D66 stands for vital and lively museums and events and we are proud and cautious with our historical heritage.
If you are an EU-citizen, registered in Breda, you are able to vote in on the 19th of March for local elections, and the 22nd of May for European elections.
Vote! Breda is your city too.