Partij voor Naastenliefde, Vrijheid & Diversiteit

Definitive Electoral Programme 2007 - 2011

Party for Neighbourly Love, Freedom & Diversity

Sapere Aude: PNVD now!

This electoral programme can be perused at and downloaded from:
www.PNVD.nl

This electoral programme has undergone a number of changes since April 2004. An overview of these changes and the earlier versions of the programme has been included at the end of this document.

[If you are wondering why the PNVD wants to participate in elections, and what our objectives are, we invite you to read our political document.]

Please note: this is not the most recent version of our programme.

Preface

Our deep discontent

Diversity is the spice of life. Everybody should have as much opportunity as possible to make decisions in favour of their own ideals. Unfortunately, many people today live and die as automatons, while there is no doubt they were born as unique persons. This happens because many people - including politicians - trim their sails according to the wind, and only few dare to think for themselves. People do not give each other the chance to think independently, while they uncritically accept existing views as the only true ones. After all, it is easier and more comfortable not to have to think independently and not to have alternative views. If, due to things getting really out of hand, a generally accepted view is seen to be wrong, a 'revolution' often takes place. Revolutions leave little room for diversified opinions, creating the danger that another opinion comes to dominate and to be accepted as the only truth, replacing the old one. This eliminates the possibility for diversity.

Our solutions

The PNVD advocates diversity, trying actively to bring it about. Individual differences deserve respect because they make life surprising. Diversity is given a chance when everybody gets as much freedom as possible to make their own decisions, so long as love, friendship and understanding among people is not overlooked in doing so. Greater freedom does not have to take its toll on the social tissue of society when the distance between policy makers and civilians is reduced as much as possible. Decentralization makes contact between people more personal again. More power should therefore be devolved to municipalities instead of to Europe, as is happening now. Small companies should have better opportunities for survival so that in the end we are not just left with multinationals. By promoting freedom and neighbourly love, we can ensure that people with divergent opinions are taken into account more. This stimulates the evolution of diversified ideas and considered debate. Because people are confronted with several points of view, they are encouraged to think for themselves. Hence our motto 'Sapere Aude' (from Horace), meaning approximately: dare to think for yourself.

Critical thought

We hope to transform all Dutch citizens into critical freethinkers who value reason and the power of arguments. It is not enough for the government just to ask people to form their own opinions. People will have to receive a larger measure of freedom to enable them to make decisions in the first place. They should be able to decide for themselves whether they want to discriminate, smoke, inject drugs, integrate, apply for jobs, et cetera. To a certain extent, this also goes for children. That's why we want to give them the freedom, from the age of twelve, to have sex, to vote, to gamble, to choose who they want to live with, and so on. A government that takes away freedoms in order to protect people is not helping them, but rather is limiting their capacity for development.

One or more seats

The PNVD would be happy to gain just one seat. That would allow us to ask questions in Parliament about the issues that are dear to our hearts.

About us

We are honest, idealistic and not afraid to speak our minds. We set great store by, and fight for, freedom of speech for all. There should always be space for discussion. Taboos and dogma do not achieve anything positive: they only contribute to fear and intolerance.

Our policy spearheads

Most political parties are too populist. At times, politicians seem only to want to rally as many voters as possible - not as a means, but as an end. They allow the media to determine when they can safely air controversial points of view. As a result, politicians keep their cards close to their chest, letting the media determine policy. This has to change, which is why the PNVD voices its ideals for everyone to hear. These are our twenty policy spearheads:

1. Ministers will form the executive power; policy will be determined by Parliament.
(See chapter 1: CENTRAL GOVERNMENT)

2. More autonomy will be conferred on municipalities.
(See chapter 2: MUNICIPALITIES)

3. Policy will always be developed independently from the EU; any European collaboration will be hinged on this premise.
(See chapter 3: EUROPE & GLOBAL POLITICS)

4. There will be a European army.
(See chapter 4: ARMED FORCES)

5. Soft drugs and hard drugs will be legalized.
(See chapter 5: STIMULANTS)

6. Discrimination will be allowed except as practised by the government.
(See chapter 6: JUSTICE)

7. All town areas and small villages will be equipped with two locally resident police officers.
(See chapter 7: POLICE)

8. All detainees will be provided with some form of coaching or treatment.
(See chapter 8: PUNISHMENT)

9. Children will be allowed to have sexual contacts from age twelve up.
(See chapter 9: SEXUALITY & INTIMACY)

10. Primary schools may not be based on religious principles.
(See chapter 10: EDUCATION)

11. Teachers will enjoy a large measure of freedom to choose between educational methods and activities.
(See chapter 11: CONTENT OF CLASSES)

12. No integration policy will be pursued.
(See chapter 12: REFUGEES & ASYLUM SEEKERS)

13. Votes will be cast for public broadcasting networks.
(See chapter 13: MEDIA)

14. The Dutch Railways (NS) will become a state-owned enterprise once more, while travelling by train will be free.
(See chapter 14: TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION)

15. The government will provide free basic health care.
(See chapter 15: HEALTH CARE)

16. Corporation tax will be lowered for small and medium-sized businesses.
(See chapter 16: FINANCE & ENTREPRENEURSHIP)

17. Energy and water will not be liberalized.
(See chapter 17: ENVIRONMENT & FOOD)

18. Animals will enjoy more rights.
(See chapter 18: ANIMAL WELFARE)

19. Children will enjoy more rights.
(See chapter 19: CHILDREN'S RIGHTS)

20. Nobody will be obliged to apply for a job; there will be a modest basic allowance.
(See chapter 20: MISCELLANY)

Table of contents

1. CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
2. MUNICIPALITIES
3. EUROPE & GLOBAL POLITICS
4. ARMED FORCES
5. STIMULANTS
6. JUSTICE
7. POLICE
8. PUNISHMENT
9. SEXUALITY & INTIMACY
10. EDUCATION
11. CONTENT OF CLASSES
12. REFUGEES & ASYLUM SEEKERS
13. MEDIA
14. TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION
15. HEALTH CARE
16. FINANCE & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
17. ENVIRONMENT & FOOD
18. ANIMAL WELFARE
19. CHILDREN'S RIGHTS
20. MISCELLANY

Positions

9. SEXUALITY & INTIMACY

[For an explanation of a number of points in this chapter, see the document Choose responsible freedom.]

9.1 Sexual education will be provided from nursery school on.
Sexuality is an important aspect of life. It is wrong to withhold knowledge about sexuality from children as long as possible, because this upholds the taboo on sexuality.

9.2 Young people will be allowed to have sexual contacts from the age of twelve on.
Since 2002, young people from the age of sixteen have been allowed to have sexual contacts. Before 2002, this was allowed from the age twelve under certain conditions. Young people do not allow themselves to be protected if they do not want to. They indicate that want to have the freedom to decide whom they have sexual relations with. In the long run, the PNVD wants to abolish the age of consent. The reason for this is that only abuse, such as forceful contacts, should be punished. For relationships of dependence, such as between teachers and pupils, and incestuous relationships, an age of consent of sixteen will initially be upheld.

9.3 Dangerous sex with minors will remain punishable.
Among other situations, this includes endangering minors if one has an HIV infection, or sadomasochistic sex causing damage. Adults have a free choice in this; young people continue to enjoy protection.

9.4 Pornography may be broadcast in the daytime.
Pornography as such is not harmful. Violent pornography may only be broadcast late at night, just like other films that have been rated as suitable for audiences of sixteen and over. See also point 9.5.

9.5 From the age of sixteen on, people can appear in pornographic productions.
In the long run, the PNVD wants to allow young people to appear in pornographic productions if they so desire from the age at which they can legally have sexual relations.

9.6 The age at which people can legally prostitute themselves will be sixteen.
Since many (male and female) prostitutes still end up in the business due to circumstances they did not want, and since activities between a client and a prostitute are not monitored, young people are not allowed to carry out this profession.

9.7 Everybody will have the freedom to appear naked in public.
There are no valid reasons for prohibiting this. For hygiene's sake, nudists will be required to use a towel when sitting in public places such as in parks or at stations.

9.8 The private possession of child pornography will be allowed.
This was the case in the Netherlands until 1998. Most politicians did not want to unleash a witch-hunt. A witch-hunt, however, is clearly what has ensued, and it is pointless. The prohibition of the possession of child pornography is censorship. It also creates all sorts of illegal, uncontrollable circuits. Making money through (barter) trade will remain punishable for the time being. See also point 9.5.

9.9 The circumcision of boys and girls under the age of sixteen will become punishable.
Medically required circumcisions by doctors or surgeons will be exempt from this prohibition. Some boys, for instance, have a foreskin that is too narrow.

9.10 Sexual contacts with animals will continue to be legal.
The sexual mistreatment of animals will continue to be punishable.

9.11 The institution of marriage will be removed from statutory law.
Getting married or not should not influence the legislation applying to people. Those who want to get married will have to do so without government recognition. Churches can continue to seal marriages; private institutions may do so too.

10. EDUCATION

10.1 Primary schools may not be based on religious principles.
It is important that children not be forced to adopt certain religious views. Parents may send their children to a religious institution such as a church or a mosque. Today, however, many Turkish children attend 'Muslim schools'. This creates the basis for apartheid. Other factors should become more important in deciding on a school, such as the distance to the child's home or the teaching material used.

10.2 After primary school, children decide which school to go to.
Parents and schools may advise children on their decision, but the decision remains the child's. This freedom to choose will not be dependent on the level of education.

10.3 It will not be legal to sponsor schools.
Sponsorship corrodes a school's independence.

10.4 State schools will have a legal obligation to accept students.
State schools will have the obligation to accept (beginning) students, unless they have no places left.

10.5 Upon completing secondary school, everyone will have the right to a maximum of six years of free study.
This study period will be financed by the state, after which students will have to cover all expenses themselves. There will be no set age for starting or resuming a study.

10.6 In principle, nobody will have to pay tuition fees or buy textbooks.
Textbooks will be supplied by schools free of cost, but remain school property. However, people who have already studied for six years after secondary education will have to pay their tuition fees and buy their textbooks.

10.7 The study grants and loans programme will be discontinued.
This will stop the unnecessary circulation of money. Students living away from home will continue to receive financing through the basic allowance. See also point 20.4.

10.8 The school inspection board inspects schools and reports on them.
The reports will be public and will be made available on the Internet. Among other things, the inspection board will report on the number of pupils, pass-rates, hygiene and safety in schools. Pupils' enjoyment of school will be measured by way of questionnaires.

10.9 Education will continue to be compulsory up to the age of sixteen.
It should not be possible to prevent children from receiving education. The types of education available will be likely to grow. See point 11.1.

10.10 Children up to the age of twelve will receive child benefit.
Parents make a free decision to have children. For this reason they should also take financial responsibility. The government will financially support parents with children up to the age of twelve. This will not include tuition fees, since schooling will be quite free.

10.11 There will be more research into one-to-one teaching.
Individual education is said to be the fastest and most effective form of learning. This claim should be examined, as well as the question of whether this alternative is financially feasible and which requirements tutors should meet.

11. CONTENT OF CLASSES

11.1 Schools will have greater freedom to decide on the subjects they teach and materials with which they teach them.
The only limitation to this freedom will be that classes in primary schools may not be religious in nature. (See point 10.1.) Also, a number of subjects will be compulsory. (See point 11.3.) This large measure of freedom may find expression, for instance, in teaching outdoors or through the medium of song. The national government sets the requirements for passing and examinations will be identical nationwide. Each child will be financially supported by the government without having to meet certain requirements.

11.2 Schools will decide to which extent pupils and parents have a say in matters of schooling.
This will help increase diversity. Pupils and parents decide on the school they think suits them, thus ensuring a form of natural selection.

11.3 Some subjects will be made compulsory in primary and secondary schools.
Government involvement in primary and secondary schools will consist in making a number of subjects compulsory. Schools are free to decide how to teach them. Swimming lessons will be compulsory in primary schools, preferably from the junior forms on. Other subjects that are to be taught each school year will be: Physical Education, English, Interpersonal Relations, History and Sceptical Thinking. This last subject is meant to contribute to the development of independent thinking. The subject of Interpersonal Relations should promote respect for people with alternative views and lifestyles. Aspects of the history of sexuality will be included in the History examination. Anti-bullying classes can be incorporated into any subject when there is a need for them; the issue of bullying should be raised during Interpersonal Relations classes as well.

12. REFUGEES & ASYLUM SEEKERS

12.1 Refugees will be sheltered in their own areas as much as possible.
A treaty should be drawn up binding UN countries to this directive. The UN will largely cover the cost of the sheltering of refugees. It is better to keep people close to home than to try and make them integrate into alien cultures.

12.2 Within the EU, each asylum application will only be dealt with once.
A European coordination office will spread recognised asylum seekers over the EU countries. The number of asylum seekers assigned to a country will be relative to its population size. Possible refugees settled in EU countries will mainly be of European and Russian background.

12.3 Family members will not be separated upon reception.
It is inhumane to break family ties needlessly.

12.4 The Rights of the Child will also apply to underage asylum seekers.
This means, among other things, that they cannot be refused education and that they cannot just be evicted.

12.5 Sustained violence or peril to life will be the only justifications for accepting refugees.
Only people who personally suffer structural violence or whose life is at risk will be eligible for asylum status. Receiving any person with alternative ideas and lifestyles may prevent them from having to lead lives inspired by fear, but the progress of countries is indirectly hampered this way.

12.6 There will be no integration policy.
There will be no policies aimed at specific groups with the aim of having migrants integrate into society. The term allochtoon (person of foreign origin) should eventually go out of use and should not be promoted by the government. The PNVD sees everyone as an 'ordinary' citizen. Integration cannot be forced, and diversity in many cases is not a negative thing.

12.7 Failing an inburgeringsexamen should have consequences.
This oral exam only deals with Dutch laws. The exam can be taken in one's own language. Everybody who passes will receive a law booklet containing the most important laws. This booklet should at least be bilingual (Dutch and English), and possibly include a third language - that of the examinee. Upon passing, a person officially receives Dutch nationality with all the rights this entails. Those who fail the exam will not yet be able to vote. Children below the age of twelve will automatically become Dutch.

12.8 Municipalities will have the obligation to offer certain free classes on a weekly basis.
These classes will be: English, Dutch, Interpersonal Relations, History and Sceptical Thinking. (See also point 11.3.) The classes will be provided at community centres. If too few people are interested, the region will be enlarged.

12.9 There will be a one-off general pardon.
This general pardon will apply to all illegal residents who have lived here for at least three years as well as for anyone who has been involved in an asylum procedure for three years or more. Following this pardon, asylum procedures should never last longer than one year.

12.10 Illegal residents will be deported under supervision.
Illegal residents will not be tolerated and will be deported under supervision. They will be returned to their country of origin. Should this be impossible, for instance when a certain country refuses any and all cooperation, an attempt will be made to have a neighbouring country host the person concerned. Should this also fail, they will be allowed to reside in the Netherlands permanently. The right to vote and Dutch citizenship may be obtained upon passing the inburgeringsexamen. See also point 12.7.

12.11 Everyone will have a single passport.
A definitively accepted refugee will become a Dutch citizen upon passing the inburgeringsexamen. Their old passport will no longer be valid. Foreigners who are not seeking asylum, for instance an American who wants to live here for a year, will retain their own nationality and will not have the right to vote here. Naturalization will remain possible if present conditions have been met and the inburgeringsexamen has been passed. The old passport will no longer be valid in such cases, either.

12.12 People will have the right to vote upon receiving Dutch nationality.
Dutch citizens can participate in all elections in the Netherlands.

12.13 People who had documentation upon departing but none upon arriving will be returned.
Asylum seekers who carry no documents when they arrive in the Netherlands while they did have them at the time of departure will be returned immediately to the country they departed from.

13. MEDIA

13.1 Public broadcasting stations may be based on religious principles.
Broadcasting organizations such as the NCRV, the KRO and the EO remain welcome in the public-service broadcasting system, just like the CDA, the ChristenUnie and the SGP can participate in political elections.

13.2 People will vote for the organizations of the public-service broadcasting system.
These elections will take place every four years. Any possible changes in the allotted broadcasting time will take effect six months after the vote. The minimum requirement to be allotted broadcasting time is one percent of all votes. There will no longer be requirements as to the content of programmes. The broadcasting organizations decide how to spend their money. Broadcasting organizations such as the NOS and the Humanistische Omroep will also have to participate in these elections in order to get broadcasting time.

13.3 Public broadcasting stations will not be allowed to engage in commercial activities.
The stations will receive their money from the government and through possible subscription fees or donations. Donations from and sponsorship by companies will not be permitted. Commercials may not be broadcast, nor may viewers be invited to call 0900 numbers.

13.4 A commission for journalism may impose fines and rectifications.
This commission will be an independent institution that all people with complaints regarding the commercial and public media may turn to. Freedom of the press should be a lead guiding principle for the commission. The commission may also impose fines or rectifications. This can happen, for instance, when a journalist or a media outlet intentionally (and repeatedly) manipulates the truth grossly. The powers of the present Raad voor de Journalistiek (Press Council) might be amplified to enable it to fulfil the functions of the intended commission.

13.5 Postbus 51 will be abolished.
Postbus 51 is mainly government propaganda; it is too patronising and could be counterproductive. Present education about the dangers of certain products should be a mandatory responsibility of the manufacturers of these products. See also point 5.1. All other types of information can be provided through public debates. See also point 13.6.

13.6 All parliamentary debates will be broadcast on channel three.
This channel will only be used for political debates and reports. The political parties will also get broadcasting slots on this channel.

14. TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION

14.1 The NS (Dutch Railways) will return to public ownership and train travel will become free.
This will stimulate people to travel by train, leading to a better protection of the environment. It will also improve the mobility of certain citizens. Each municipality will be free to decide whether other types of public transportation will be free.

14.2 It is recommended that the number of seats at NS stations be amplified.
It is not always possible to find seats at certain stations during rush hour. The PNVD also recommends sockets in new and old trains so that travellers can connect electronic equipment such as laptops. Crime in and around stations will be combated by punishing repeat offenders more harshly and rehabilitating them better. See also chapter 8.

14.3 Excise will be charged on kerosene.
Since aircraft, just like cars, pollute the environment, excise will also be charged on kerosene. The excise on petrol will remain in place, since its combustion is polluting.

14.4 Maximum velocity zones of 30km/h will be created around schools and playgrounds.
This type of zones is of vital importance.

14.5 The construction of new motorways will not be a priority.
Constructing new motorways does not solve the problem of traffic jams. On the contrary: a closely populated country like the Netherlands should aim to reduce individual transportation as much as possible and create possibilities for group transportation, such as public transportation. See also point 14.1.

15. HEALTH CARE

15.1 The government will provide free basic care.
For basic care, therefore, people will no longer have to be insured. The birth-control pill and sterilization will be included in this basic care package. People can take out private insurance for certain forms of care, such as homeopathy.

15.2 Private care institutions will continue to be lawful.
These institutions will not be financed by the government and will be evaluated rigorously, like state institutions, for the quality they deliver. The results of these quality tests will be published on the Internet in Dutch and in English.

15.3 Euthanasia will also be permitted in cases of mental suffering.
Everyone who has made a conscious decision to seek death should be allowed to opt for euthanasia. There should be a process for euthanasia in cases of mental suffering just like there is one in cases of physical suffering.

15.4 The decision whether or not to be an organ donor will be registered with the issuing of a passport.
When people receive their passport or identity card, they should indicate whether they wish to be or to remain organ donors. Parents will decide for children younger than twelve. Young people between the ages of twelve and sixteen will decide for themselves. When they agree to organ donation, parents will still need to give their approval. When the child has not consented, organ donation is not permitted, regardless of the parents' opinion.

15.5 Care institutions should disclose information to the government.
Care institutions should disclose information, among other things, about the number of treatments offered, the number of treatments carried out and their cost. A government agency will make this information available on the Internet in Dutch and in English (a public information desk), and will verify the information if need be.

15.6 Schizophrenic and psychopathic persons will be treated earlier.
This treatment, including possible medication, can be ordered by doctors if it is demonstrably required. In some cases, this should happen earlier than it does nowadays. Schizophrenic and psychopathic persons should also receive lifelong assistance when required, for instance in the form of a 'buddy'.

15.7 Home care will be promoted.
Home care is relatively inexpensive and improves the social participation of elderly people; it is a more humane form of care.

15.8 Care institutions will have more nurses/doctors and fewer managers.
The number of nurses and doctors working at subsidised care institutions should be increased; the number of managers decreased. These numbers should be determined on the basis of the number of patients. Doctors should always be on the payroll; they may no longer offer their services from their own private companies.

16. FINANCE & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

16.1 There may not be a budget deficit.
Both the national government and the municipalities may not have a budget deficit. The present state debt should be repaid, including the interest owed. The government sets a bad example by borrowing money; this should not be necessary for a rich country like the Netherlands. The generations to come have to foot the bill, although they are not responsible for creating the debt.

16.2 The national government should only be concerned with essential tasks.
Tax money raised by the government should only be used to finance the government's essential tasks.

16.3*

16.4 The corporation tax will be lowered for small and medium-sized businesses.
In order to prevent that only multinationals will eventually remain, it would be better to reduce the corporation tax for small-scale businesses. This will stimulate local shops and small farms, and improve a sense of well-being among consumers. Small and medium-sized businesses already pay less corporation tax, but the PNVD wants to increase the difference: only 20% will be levied on the first 25,000 euros; 30% on further capital.

16.5 All civil servants in the same positions will earn the same salary.
This means that age and years of service will no longer influence one's salary.

16.6 Wealth tax will not be levied.
Interest and dividends are seen as income, so tax will be levied on these.

16.7 The property tax will be abolished.
This veiled form of wealth tax will be ended. See also point 16.6.

16.8 Taxes on donations and legacies will be reduced by at least 50 percent.
People have the right to donate money to whomever or whatever they want. The government frequently prevents its citizens from doing so by claiming a large part of the money. A legacy is a form of donation.

16.9 No subsidies will be given, or as few as possible.
Agricultural subsidies, for instance, will be ended. Subsidies make people more dependent and often work to the disadvantage of others. Sometimes subsidies cause beneficiaries to display 'politically correct' behaviour for fear of losing the subsidy. When the government determines which citizens and institutions are eligible for subsidies, this automatically influences people's freedom of choice. Top-class sport will no longer be subsidised. It may often lead to a greater number of medals at the Olympic Games, but not everyone is equally charmed by top-class sport, especially since it often leads to exaggerated nationalism. East Germany always used to win a large number of medals.

16.10 It will not be compulsory for the government and employers to contribute to day care for children.
Providing day care for children does not have to be a costly affair; there are many people who like to spend time with children and who could take charge of them in the daytime. Abolishing compulsory licences will also make it cheaper to provide day care for children. See point 16.22.

16.11 The Entry-level and Step-up Jobs or ID jobs (formerly known as Melkert jobs) will be abolished.
These jobs are partly subsidised. The PNVD does not believe this to be a favourable situation. See point 16.9.

16.12 From the age of twelve on, people may perform salaried work.
Up to age sixteen, the number of hours per week that people may work for pay will the same as their age.

16.13 Taxes will be levied on the basis of taxation brackets.
The tax system will be simplified. The tax percentage owed will be higher as incomes are higher. People who earn more should pay a higher tax percentage, since their net income is higher.

16.14 Rent subsidy and home mortgage interest deduction will be abolished.
These will be replaced by the tax brackets. See point 16.13.

16.15 Tax-deductible expenses will be abolished in favour of the tax rate.
Making one's tax return can indeed be greatly simplified. Several tax-deductible expenses should be abolished, so that the general tax rate turns out lower.

16.16 Entrepreneurs will be free to establish the opening times of their business.
The Shop Hours Act will be abolished. This may not lead to excessive nuisance.

16.17 In principle, it will become possible to start a company anywhere.
The conditions are that it not lead to serious nuisance and that safety be guaranteed. People can also start a shop from the home, even if this is a terraced house in a working-class area.

16.18 The separate legislation for sex businesses and sex shops will be abolished.
Currently, there are unjustified moralistic regulations that make it more difficult, for instance, to open a sex shop.

16.19 The legislation setting minimum wages will be abolished.
This will allow companies to offer jobs at a lower salary than the minimum wages, encouraging companies and institutions to increase competition among each other. This will also be the case for unskilled labour, among other reasons because there will be a basic allowance (see point 20.4). The government will be involved as little as possible in trade union affairs.

16.20 Licenses for companies will be joined as much as possible.
Safety, environmental and health aspects should be joined into a single license along with the terms of employment. A single national agency will issue these licenses. This agency may also revoke licenses if conditions are not, or no longer, met.

16.21 The government will institute a compensation fund for calamities.
Should a disaster occur, the fund may be used to compensate victims.

16.22 There will be no compulsory permits for certain professions.
The compulsory permits needed to carry out a number of professions, including day care providers and teachers, should be abolished. Companies and institutions are qualified to determine the requirements their employees must meet. Today, grandparents almost need a permit to look after their grandchildren.

16.23 The government will use the operating system Linux as much as possible.
Linux is open source, free and easy to update.

16.24 The government will not be involved in employment contracts.
Employers themselves decide whether and when they offer permanent employment contracts. They can also decide on the duration of permanent contracts.

16.25 The sales tax (value added tax) will be abolished.
Apart from pollution tax and corporation tax, the PNVD wants only income tax to be maintained. For an explanation, see for example points 2.10, 16.6, 16.7 and 16.13.

17. ENVIRONMENT & FOOD

17.1 It will not be possible to patent organisms.
The PNVD opposes making organisms patentable, since this leads to a concentration of power. It would induce companies to hoard patents in order to own genes as a means of controlling and exercising power over consumers and farmers. This would result in an undesired dependence and an increase in animal experiments with the single goal of economic gain.

17.2 Genetic manipulation and cloning will only be allowed under strict conditions.
It is not right to introduce legislation beforehand prohibiting these new possibilities. After all, we do not know their possible effects. It is important, however, that these activities be strictly monitored in order to prevent any possible harmful effects.

17.3 If food has been genetically manipulated, the packaging should say so.
This is best indicated with a special, preferably international symbol.

17.4 There should be a universal symbol for vegetarian products.
Products that are always vegetarian do not, of course, have to carry this symbol. Another symbol should be legally required for products to which the sweeteners glutamate or aspartame have been added. These symbols should be used alongside the symbols already in use for biological and ecological products.

17.5 Nuclear fission should be prohibited.
It should also be prohibited to import energy obtained by way of nuclear fission. There are alternatives for nuclear fission, and this way of generating energy can be highly dangerous.

17.6 Energy and water should not be privatized.
Certain goods should remain under government control in order to guarantee their safety and availability.

17.7 The government should make more extensive use of wind and solar energy.
These forms of energy are environmentally friendly and inexhaustible. Solar energy panels, for instance, should be installed along motorways, and more wind parks should be constructed.

17.8 More excise will be charged on energy.
When we utilize the environment, we should pay the cost. This will stimulate people to use energy in more durable ways.

17.9 Industries should pay an eco tax.
It should no longer be the case that the relative tax expenditure of companies drops as they use greater quantities of energy.

17.10 A pollution tax will be raised on airline tickets.
At present, no such tax is raised on airline tickets, although aeroplanes are rather big polluters of the environment.

17.11*

17.12 Chlorine transports will be prohibited.
Transporting chlorine in all directions is easily prevented by producing and using chlorine locally.

18. ANIMAL WELFARE

18.1 A Convention for the Protection of Animal Rights should come into force.
It should be examined which rights in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights ought also to apply to animals. Examples include the right of animals not to be subjected to torture and other forms of inflicted violence and suffering. Selective breeding programmes resulting in animals that suffer all sorts of physical discomforts (from birth) should be prohibited. Stabling cows the year round should also be prohibited.

18.2 Animal testing should be subject to strict conditions.
Animal testing may only take place when it benefits public health. Alternative research methods should always be attempted. It may be possible to eventually prohibit all animal testing.

18.3 Meat and fish consumption by people will be prohibited.
The PNVD opposed murder, whether it involves human beings or animals. Breeding minks and other animals for their fur will therefore be prohibited. Since a prohibition on meat and fish consumption will have a strong impact on people working in this industry, the government should provide financial compensation for them allowing them to transform their business so it no longer involves killing animals. This ban will have to be enforced gradually and preferably in a European context in order to prevent criminal trade.

18.4 Recreational fishing should be banned.
The freedom of fish wins out over the freedom of recreational fishermen. Fish cannot consent to biting a hook.

18.5 Recreational hunting will be banned.
Members of the royal family will also have to respect this ban. Necessary hunting may continue to take place. Civil servants should make sure that no hunting laws are breached.

18.6 Battery cages will be banned.
Chickens should once more have the space they have a right to. The space available for animals in stables should meet stricter requirements.

18.7 People who repeatedly mistreat animals will be barred from keeping pets.
This will protect animals better against violence.

18.8 Certain forms of equestrianism will be banned.
One such form is cross-country equestrianism, which poses too great a risk of injury to the horses.

18.9 Introducing animals in the wild should be limited.
Animal species have died out in the Netherlands over the centuries. Instead of introducing animals in the wild, nature itself should be given more space in the Netherlands. This will automatically cause certain animal species to return.

19. CHILDREN'S RIGHTS

This chapter is distinct from the preceding chapters in the sense that we only refer to points which directly or indirectly influence, or are related to, the welfare and rights of children. Elaborating children's rights in a separate chapter carries the risk of overlooking children in other chapters. The PVND believes that all decisions should take children's rights and welfare into consideration.

1.9 Children will be allowed to vote from the age of twelve on.

1.10 Laws concerning young children will be specially reviewed.

5.2 Smoking, gambling and alcohol consumption will be legal from the age of twelve on.

6.7 Legal aid will become more accessible.

6.8 The juvenile court will be maintained.

6.19 The age of majority will be set at sixteen.

9.1 Sexual education will be provided from nursery school on.

9.2 Young people will be allowed to have sexual contacts from the age of twelve on.

9.5 From the age of sixteen on, people can appear in pornographic productions.

9.9 The circumcision of boys and girls under the age of sixteen will become punishable.

10.1 Primary schools may not be based on religious principles.

10.2 After primary school, children decide which school to go to.

12.3 Family members will not be separated upon reception.

12.4 The Rights of the Child will also apply to underage asylum seekers.

14.4 Maximum velocity zones of 30km/h will be created around schools and playgrounds.

16.12 From the age of twelve on, people may perform salaried work.

20.12 From the age of twelve on, children will be allowed to decide whom they want to live with.

20. MISCELLANY

20.1 Citizens will be able to review information about them kept by the government.
It is a good thing for citizens to appreciate the level of detail of information about them kept by the government, and to be able to review this information for accuracy. In order to prevent abuse, the government may not be given free rein to keep any information about people. The AIVD will have greater freedom in this respect, and will be allowed to collect data needed to guarantee or re-establish national or international security. The AIVD will remain accountable to the ministers involved.

20.2 People under sixteen may only practice boxing with headgear.
This protects children and young people better from possible head injuries.

20.3 The government as well may employ people over 65.
The government is not allowed to discriminate, which includes a ban on ageism. This is hard in certain cases, such as the age at which people are allowed to vote.

20.4 Nobody will be obliged to apply for a job; there will be a modest basic income.
The minimum basic net allowance will be EUR 450 a month. This will also apply to people who categorically refuse to work and who never apply for a job. The basic allowance excludes child benefit, and basic health care and schooling will be paid for by the government. People who have worked at least six months before getting a basic allowance will receive a salary-related basic income during the first three months. If apart from receiving a basic income one is working, the salary earned will be supplemented up to a total of EUR 450. People earning more than EUR 650 will not be entitled to a basic income. People earning between EUR 450 and EUR 650 will receive a complementary allowance so the total amount is EUR 650.

20.5 Everybody will have five extra holidays a year.
This will align the Netherlands with the European average. The PNVD suggests the following extra holidays: Eid ul-Fitr, World Animal Day (4 October), Liberation Day (5 May), Love and Friendship Day (14 February) and Children's Day (23 April). This last date is also World Book Day, all the more reason for a day off.

20.6 The set book price will be abolished.
This will cause free market effects as is the case now with the sale of compact discs.

20.7. The downloading of music and videos by private individuals will become legal.
Musicians and the film industry can make money, for instance, by performing live and by selling films to cinemas. There will always be people who appreciate owning the original material, for instance to support their idols.

20.8 The legal confidentiality of post will also apply to e-mail and to telephone conversations.
In case of a serious suspicion of illegal activities punishable by at least four years, the police may breach this confidentiality.

20.9 No legal restrictions will be applied to encryption.
Encryption is the encoding of messages or files making them illegible to third parties. Citizens have the right thus to protect themselves from malicious intentions.

20.10 Advertisements will be obliged to display the telephone number and the rate at an equal size.
This will help consumers appreciate what they are being offered.

20.11 The phrase 'God be with us' should disappear from the 2-euro coin.
Church and state ought to be separated as much as possible. When the euro was introduced, this text was only put on the 2-euro coin and not on the 1-euro coin. Citizens were not informed of this clearly. The PNVD is frank: we want to remove the phrase from the 2-euro coin as well.

20.12 From the age of twelve on, children will be allowed to decide whom they want to live with.
An advantage of this is that certain parents will take their children into account more and earlier. Allowing children to make this decision at an early age encourages them to handle freedom responsibly and to make their own decisions. When parents separate and their children are younger than twelve, the biological mother will retain custody. In other cases, for instance when two men were raising the child, a judge decides who will be given custody. The parent who does not have custody will have the right to see the children every two weeks, as well as during ten consecutive (holi)days. In case the parent without custody is not offered this possibility, he or she may demand custody in court, thus reversing the parents' respective roles.

20.13 The government will release its copyright on books, among other copyrighted products.
At the moment, for instance, the Dutch government owns the copyright of the Dutch translation of "My Struggle" (Mein Kampf), which Adolf Hitler wrote in 1924. By doing this, the government attempts to prevent its reissuing. The PNVD sees this as an attack of the freedom of speech and as direct censorship.

20.14 Internet and telephone data will not be recorded.
Data concerning telephone and Internet traffic will not be recorded. Apart from objections related to privacy, it is not inconceivable that Big Brother-like practices will ensue.

20.15 The government will stimulate council housing.
The lack of inexpensive rented houses in certain cities is so serious that the government may have to oblige municipalities to create prefab homes, container homes or spaceboxes.

Afterword

We hope that you agree with our positions. If you do, you can support us by:

voting for us at the next Lower House elections,

spreading the news about our website, www.PNVD.nl, and our electoral programme,
signing a declaration of support for our party (available at www.PNVD.nl),
sending suggestions for our programme to info@PNVD.nl.

If you would like to be actively involved with the PNVD, we invite you to contact us.

Amendments

The following amendments have been made to this document since April 2004:

24 April 2004: original version
9 May 2004: small amendments
6 September 2004: amendments to 2.5; 9.5; 6.22
8 May 2005: enlarged the preface; 7.8
31 May 2006: definitive electoral programme 2007 - 2011: dropped 6.13, 8.4, 16.3, 17.11; changes made to 11, 16, 2.10, 8.5, 8.6, 9.8, 11.1, 14.5, 16.4, 16.15, 17.5, 17.10, 18.3, 20.10, the start of "Our solutions" in the preface; added 1.26, 10.11, 12.13, 15.7, 15.8, 16.25, 20.13, 20.14, 20.15, "One or more seats" in the preface