This article needs to be updated.(July 2022) |
Flemish Interest Vlaams Belang | |
---|---|
Abbreviation | VB |
Leader | Tom Van Grieken |
Founded | 14 November 2004 |
Preceded by | Vlaams Blok |
Headquarters | Madouplein 8 1210 Brussels |
Youth wing | Vlaams Belang Jongeren |
Membership (2021) | 22,194[1] |
Ideology | Flemish nationalism Right-wing populism |
Political position | Right-wing[2][3][4][5] to far-right[15] |
Regional affiliation | None |
European affiliation | Identity and Democracy Party |
European Parliament group | Identity and Democracy |
Francophone counterpart | Chez Nous |
Colours | |
Slogan | "Our people first" (Dutch: «Eerst onze mensen») |
Chamber of Representatives | 18 / 87 (Flemish seats) |
Senate | 7 / 35 (Flemish seats) |
Flemish Parliament | 23 / 124 |
Brussels Parliament | 1 / 17 (Flemish seats) |
European Parliament | 3 / 12 Flemish seats) |
Flemish Provincial Councils | 24 / 175 |
Benelux Parliament | 2 / 21 |
Website | |
www.vlaamsbelang.org | |
Vlaams Belang (Dutch: [ˈvlaːmz bəˈlɑŋ], lit. 'Flemish Interest', VB) is a Flemish nationalist[16][17] and right-wing populist[17][18] political party in the Flemish Region and Brussels Capital Region of Belgium. It is widely considered to be on the political far-right,[19] although it self-describes as centre-right.[20]
Vlaams Belang is a rebrand of Vlaams Blok which dissolved after a trial in 2004 condemned the party for racism. After reorganizing itself as Vlaams Belang, the party continued the core philosophy of its predecessor by campaigning on a separatist[16][17] and Flemish nationalist platform. It also supports maintaining Flemish cultural identity, opposition to multiculturalism, and calls for tougher law and order policies. However, the VB toned down and implemented some changes to the more controversial portions of the former Vlaams Blok statute[21] and has sought to change its image from a radical to a more conservative party by distancing itself from some of its former programs.[22] Nonetheless, most other parties initially continued the cordon sanitaire which was implemented against the former party, effectively blocking the Vlaams Belang from taking part in government at any level. Additionally, attempts on cutting public subsidies specifically for the party were made through the Belgian draining law.
Like Vlaams Blok, Vlaams Belang was initially popular with the Flemish electorate and was one of the most successful national-populist parties in Europe. However, from 2008 the party experienced a downturn in support and membership which coincided with internal disputes within the party and the rise of the more moderate nationalist New Flemish Alliance which also supports Flemish independence. Under the current leadership of Tom Van Grieken, the VB has begun to regain popular support and made a comeback during the 2019 federal elections. Following the election, there has been some media speculation that the cordon sanitaire on the party may be lifted for the first time.[23]
Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders visits a local market in Antwerp, Belgium, with members of the Flemish right-wing Vlaams Belang party ahead of Belgian local elections
An especially hot topic are the budget transfers from Flanders to Brussels and Wallonia — long the target of Flemish nationalist parties such as N-VA and the right-wing Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest).
The extreme right-wing Vlaams Belang, which got 12% in the last elections, is also not represented.
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