Be true to your ideals - Partij voor de Dieren · 2018. 9. 7. · 3 ElEctoral programmE 2012 party for thEanimals Be true to your ideals Make them count. the earth has enough to meet

1

ElEctoral programmE 2012 party for thE animals

Be true to your ideals

Electoral programme 2012 Party for the Animals

Make them count

3


ContentsBe true to your ideals 3

1 Healthy agriculture, sustainable food 5sustainable food 5livestock 7fishing 9Vegetables, grains and fruit 9genetic modification and cloning 10

2 Space for nature 11nature reserves 12nature recovery and protection 13animal habitats 14

3 Living within the earth’s capacity 16climate and the environment 16Energy 17space 19

4 Living with animals 20Keeping pets 20shelters for animals 21animal abuse 21

5 Limits to animal use 23Experimenting on animals 23animals exhibited 24sports with animals 24Events that include animals 24animals as fashion accessories 25animals as targets 25

6 International cooperation 26Developing countries 26refugees 27international environmental policy 27global trade 28European collaboration and the EU 28Defence 28

7 A trustworthy government 30governance and democracy 30citizens’ rights 31Justice and security 30Education 32healthcare 33culture and media 34

8 The Economic crisis as an opportunity 35Economic transition 35fiscal greening 36financial markets 36the housing market 37Work and income 38

3


Be true to your idealsMake them count.

the earth has enough to meet everyone’s needs, but not enough to meet everyone’s greed. monetary issues are dictating the economy. money rules, while everything of real value is subordinated to money. animals and nature have been turned into products with price tags. Even people’s desires and cares are expressed in terms of money. this one-sided approach stands in the way of the change we so dearly need. the current crises cannot be resolved by patching up the symptoms – they require radically different choices. the party for the animals may not be a large party yet but it is the fastest growing political party in the netherlands. our philosophy is fundamentally different than that of the traditional political parties. We want to see an end to the single-issue mindset which places the Westerner and his money at the heart of every political decision.

take our relationship with animals, for example: mankind’s use of animals forms the most serious threat to the earth’s ecology. the livestock industry is responsible for 30% of the loss of biodiversity. moreover, there are serious problems with the worldwide distribution of food because almost half of the globe’s grain harvest is swallowed up by the livestock industry.

or take the banking sector: banks are kept afloat with tens of billions of tax payers’ euros without any conditions on how they use our money. this situation is not sustainable. the party for the animals believes in balanced budgets: don’t spend more than we have; don’t consume more than there is; and don’t demand more of the earth than it can provide for all its inhabitants – both now and in the future. We believe that banks should no longer speculate on losses – but invest in sustainable sectors that will create jobs. We want to see investments diverted from concentrated animal feeding operations, weapons and nuclear energy to innovative projects for renewable energy. the party for the animals has the greenest and most reformist ambitions of all political parties in the netherlands. as such we wish to guide the way towards a new and sustainable policy in which compassion and sustainability are key. the earth’s capacity must be the enabling condition for every policy choice. Dare to think big, raise your voice and be true to your ideals. Don’t allow them to be trampled on by the people who caused our current problems in the first place. Einstein said that we cannot solve problems with the same thinking we used when we created them. in other words, what we need are not temporary makeshift fixes in the margins of the crisis, but hope and concrete solutions for a sustainable future. that realization can mean only one thing: vote Party for the Animals.

marianne thiemeparty leader

4


5


4


5


the netherlands is the most livestock-dense country in the world, with adverse effects on animals, people, nature and the environment. Worldwide, the livestock industry occu-pies 80% of all agricultural land. and tropical rain forests are still being felled to make way for the mass cultivation of cattle feed. this cultivation, with its heavy use of artifi-cial fertilizers and pollutants, is energy devouring, highly contaminating and is exhausting the earth’s supplies of phosphates. Worldwide, the livestock industry emits more greenhouse gases than all the world’s cars and other me-ans of transportation combined and is responsible for 30% of the planet’s loss of biodiversity. and it is the animals that pay the highest price: after short and miserable lives in stalls without daylight, hundreds of millions of animals raised in the netherlands are transported to slaughter houses to end up as cheap supermarket meat.

Vegetables, grains and fruit – grown here in netherlands – should form a larger portion of our daily diet. We could be achieved if the Dutch farmer was supported in changing

over to quality production that makes use of the gifts of nature rather than chemical pesticides and artificial ferti-lizer. artificial fertilizer impoverishes the soil while chemi-cal pesticides have resulted in the loss of biodiversity, the alarming mass die-off of bees and drinking water that is increasing difficult to purify.

in the past few decades, fishing has transformed into an industry that is destroying our marine ecosystems on an unprecedented scale. By far most species are being over-fished and are in the danger zone. the catching techniques themselves mean a long and painful death struggle for the fish. fish farms, touted as alternatives to traditional fishing in the seas and whose numbers are mushrooming, in fact represent a new form of bio-industry with all that this entails.

Sustainable foodfood, a primary necessity of life, is increasingly treated as a disposable product. While in the 1970s we spent 30% of

agriculture is not an industry and animals are not machines.

healthy agriculture is pollutant-free, regional, respects animals

and yields the farmer a good income. a more vegetable-based

diet is an important step towards a sustainable world in which

everyone has enough to eat.

1 Healthy agriculture, sustainable food

6


our income on food, today that percentage is just 12%. the ever-increasing growth in scale, along with the import of foodstuffs by air from every corner of the earth, has creat-ed an unhealthy distance between farmer and consumer. the party for the animals is fighting for the value of food to be respected and for a radical reform of agricultural pol-icy. the knife and fork are our most important weapons in the battle against animal suffering, climate change, hunger and the loss of biodiversity.

Less meat, fish and dairy. climate scientists and food spe-cialists are sounding the alarm about eating patterns in Western countries. We want food to be distributed more fairly, we will have to consume fewer animal and more vegetable products. this is in the interest of animals, na-ture and the environment – but also in the interest of our own health.• meat, fish, eggs and dairy will be subject to the higher rate of Vat. • super-cheap supermarket meat and poultry will be removed from the shelves and there will be a ban on the sale of endangered fish species. • the development of vegetable-based meat, dairy and fish substitutes will be stimulated. • clear labelling will provide citizens with honest information about the origin of products and the consequences of their production for people, animals, nature and the environment. • campaigns will be launched to promote more vegetable-based diets.

More organic and regional. the party for the animals wants an end to the decimation of agriculture. greater di-versity, closed cycles and shorter supply chains between farmer and consumer are key to healthier and sustainable food. organic, regional and land-based agriculture must become the norm. • the EU’s agriculture budget will be used in the years ahead to help farmers switch over to organic

agriculture. agricultural subsidies will be abolished over time.• organic vegetable-based products will be actively supported and promoted so that farmers can earn a decent living without relying on subsidies. • the government will set a good example by only procuring organic products. • Employers will be able to provide tax-exempt organic lunches and fruit for their employees in the workplace.

Food close to home. We can only become truly aware of the value of food if the link between the citizen and food is restored. We want to stimulate agriculture in and around urban areas so that both children and adults can once more see and understand the food they eat originates. from the sustainable farm just outside the city limits to rooftop farming: urban agriculture is an essential component of a sustainable food system. thanks to a motion introduced by the parliamentary group of the party for the animals, an ambassador for urban agriculture will be appointed tasked with assisting local authorities in developing urban agricul-ture within their municipalities and ironing out problems along the way.• the government will stimulate (organic) urban agriculture.

An end to waste. food has literally lost all value and is also treated as such. in the netherlands alone, 2.5 million tons of food is thrown away each year. this waste of food must be tackled in the interest of people and the environment. • the commodities act will be amended so that product best-before dates no longer encourage waste.• the netherlands will take the initiative to change EU regulations on best-before dates. • citizens will be given proper information on the storage and shelf-life of the food they buy.

An honest price for honest food. the value of durable hon-est food must be reflected in the price we pay for it. at present, the true price of food is disguised by subsidies and the resulting social costs are covered by the taxpayer. We need to change over to a sustainable food system that pays farmers a fair price for quality products. • the party for the animals will introduce a ‘honest price certificate’ for middlemen, supermarkets and other retailers. the certificate will prove that the purchase price offered to farmers is sufficient to cover the production costs, including the costs resulting from society’s demands in the areas of animal welfare and the environment. this will allow to create a sustainability basis in the market that can be raised as required.

7


Livestockthe intensive livestock raising industry leaves deep scars in our country, such a health problems, loss of biodiversity and polluted drinking water. so that consumers can purchase cheap supermarket ‘deals’, pigs, chickens, cows, rabbits and goats are raised, caged, mistreated and diseased on a truly industrial scale. the emissions produced by the Dutch livestock industry have made the netherlands Europe’s worst ammonia polluter. moreover, the production of meat is highly inefficient: twenty-five kilos of cattle feed and 15,000 litres of water are required to produce one kilo of steak. the party for the animals believes that the livestock industry must be wound up. fewer animals mean fewer problems for nature, the environment, people and animal welfare.

Reduction in the livestock herd. the current livestock farming industry is unsustainable. We keep such enormous numbers of animals for the production of meat, dairy and eggs and no measure taken can possibly deal with all the resulting problems.• the number of animals kept will be reduced by 70% in order to create room for the animals that are kept, for people and for our environment. • the current system that regulates the number of chickens and pigs (animal production allowances) will be maintained and expanded to include bovine, goats and sheep. • the milk quota will not be abolished.

Room for ranging. animals kept on farms must be sheltered and cared in ways that respect their natures and patterns of behaviour. current systems must be adapted to the needs of animals, and not the other way around.• all animals must have free outdoor access with suffi cient places to find shelter, so that chickens can have dust baths, pigs can root, and cows and goats can

graze in the meadow.• painful procedures such as the docking of tails, the cutting off of beaks, the dehorning of cows and earmarking will be ended.• cows must live in family herds. calves will no longer be removed from their dams within a day of birth, but will be allowed to grow up alongside their mothers and drink the milk intended for them.• gestation crates, in which pigs stand for weeks, will be banned. sows will be allowed to build nests and care for their piglets. • a preventative accommodation test will be introduced for new raising systems. new raising systems will only be approved if they demonstrably allow the animals to live according to their natures. the preventative accommodation test will apply retroactively for existing raising systems.

Supplementary requirements for transport and slaughter. the party for the animals wants to put a stop to cruel and degrading animal transports and the terrible suffering that accompanies slaughter. • the transport of animals will be drastically reduced to a maximum of two hours. • animal transports will not be permitted on very hot days. • the motion of the party of the animals for substantial animal welfare improvements in regular abattoirs that has been adopted by the lower house is to be fully

implemented.• the legal provision that animals must be spared unnecessary pain, stress and fear prior to slaughter will be observed strictly through, among other measures, drastically reducing the number of animals slaughtered. • Exceptions to the mandatory stunning prior to

8


slaughter will no longer be tolerated: unanaesthetized ritual animal slaughter will be banned.• animals transports will be subject to a kilometer levy.• cattle markets will be prohibited.

Government supervision. the self-regulating livestock industry allows abuses to continue. the party for the animals wants an end to this state of affairs. • the supervision across the entire livestock industry will be tightened and will be carried out by the government rather than the sector itself. to facilitate effective supervision, greater powers will be given to the netherlands food and consumer product safety authority (nVWa). • animals stalls and abattoirs will be put under continuous cctV monitoring. livestock transport vehicles will be fitted with gps monitoring systems. • the monitoring data obtained by the nVWa will be made public. the livestock industry’s antibiotic register will also be made public.

Ban an concentrated animal-feeding systems. concentrated animal feeding systems (commonly referred to a ‘mega stalls’ in the netherlands) holding thousands of pigs, goats or cows and even hundreds of thousands of chickens are the sad consequences of a livestock industry that has gone out of control. • there will be a ban on mega stalls and massive-scale livestock operations.• the statutory limit on the maximum number of animals that may be kept will be reduced on a regular basis until the livestock industry as a whole operates on a humane scale.• a minimum distance of 2,000 metres will be observed between livestock enterprises and residences and between different livestock enterprises themselves. • strict fire-safety regulations for livestock enterprises will be enforced.

Animal and public health first. animals must be kept in a responsible manner, with animal and public safety being the key consideration. the chance of outbreaks of diseases among animals – and the ensuing consequences – will be limited through regionalization, the ban on long-distance transports and the downsizing of livestock enterprises. • the use of antibiotics in the livestock industry will be tightly regulated. the preventive administration of antibiotics to otherwise healthy animals, herd treatments and the use of antibiotics of last resort for people are to be banned. • large mixed livestock enterprises holding both chickens and pigs will no longer be permitted in the interest of preventing the evolution of new dangerous viruses. • the ministry of public health, Welfare and sport will direct efforts to contain outbreaks of animal diseases that can be transmitted to humans (zoonones).

No super-sized broiler chickens and meat rabbits. many animals have been so overbred that they are ready for

slaughter in a couple of weeks. this creates serious health problems. • a ban will be implemented on double-muscled cows, super-sized broiler chickens and the gassing of live shredding of day-old male chicks. • the focus of animal breeding will be shifted to promoting healthy resistant breeds.• the breeding and keeping of meat rabbits, water buffalos, ostriches and dromedaries, among other such animals, has been wrongfully tolerated and will be banned.

Closed food chains. in a sustainable system of agriculture, the nutrient chains are closed and there is no waste. • there will be an end to the import of soya and maize for cattle feed. livestock will instead be fed sustainable feed grown regionally.

9


• fertilizer production must not exceed what is required for sustainable and responsible use in fields. • the injection of fertilizer will be forbidden.

Fishingthe European fishing industry is responsible for the continued depletion of fish stocks in European waters. no fewer than 88% of fish species are being overfished and 30% will probably never be able to recover to former levels. the netherlands has played a major part in this destruction. the world’s largest trawlers are Dutch owned and our huge bottom-trawling fleet is changing the seafloor into a lifeless desert. fish farms are not a solution to this problem: many farmed fish are fed with fish caught in the wild.

Moratorium on the fish catch. like marine biologists, the party for the animals argues for a moratorium on the fish catch so that ecosystems and fish stocks are given a chance to recover. • the precautionary principle must be leading in Dutch and European fishing policy• a fishing ban will be implemented for the most vulnerable species, such as eel and cod. • the overcapacity in the fishing fleet will be reduced and destructive fishing technique outlawed. • the exploitive contracts with countries outside the EU, allowing the European fleet to also fish out the waters beyond Europe, will be terminated.• all catches must be landed and offset against the catch quote, thereby eliminating ‘by-catch’.

• the use of vertical nets, in which porpoises and other species become entangled and suffocate, will no longer be permitted.

• national and European fishing subsidies will be abolished.

No fish farms. the party for the animals is against fish farms. fish farms are a new form of intensive farming: they are not sustainable and anything but animal friendly. • no new licences will be granted for fish farms• a preventative animal-wellbeing and sustainability assessment with retroactive effect will apply to existing fish farms. if it cannot be demonstrated that the production and keeping of a particular fish species is carried out in a sustainable and animal-friendly manner, the industrial production of the species will be outlawed.

Improving the wellbeing of fish. fish are conscious beings with feeling. like other animals, fish deserve to be protected from pain and stress before slaughter. thanks to efforts by the party for the animals, a ban on the unanaesthetized killing of eels in salt baths is being implemented. We want protection for all animals from unnecessary suffering prior to and during slaughter. catching and killing methods that involve the fish being conscious for minutes enduring pain and stress are unacceptable.• current catching and killing methods will be investigated and assessed for the suffering they cause the fish. • the live boiling of lobsters will no longer be permitted.

Vegetables, grains and fruitVegetables, grains and fruit are the basis of a healthy diet. Vegetable-based produce must form the foundation of

Dutch agriculture. the party for the animals believes the government must stimulate this sector. But this sector itself also needs to shift toward sustainable production

10


methods. presently, the cultivation of vegetables and fruit in the netherlands is to a large extent dependent on fossil raw materials (artificial fertilizer) and chemical products. the large-scale use of pesticides is causing serious harm to biodiversity and poses a risk to our drinking water. the prevalence of monoculture and the lack of field-margins means it is becoming increasing difficult for insects and birds to find sufficient food in the Dutch countryside. this is why the party for the animals wishes to move toward sustainable agriculture.

Agroecology instead of monoculture. We wish to see monoculture make way for agriculture with more agro-biodiversity. • We will promote crop rotation and field-margins. • the area of land in the netherlands devoted to organic farming will be increased through change-over subsidies. • the use of artificial fertilizer and hazardous chemicals will be dramatically reduced and replaced by biological and organic alternatives. • the rules for permitting chemical pesticides will tightened up vigorously.• the use of neonicotinoids, such as imidacloprid, will be forbidden in order to try and reverse the ongoing mass die-off of bees.

Clean horticulture. the closed greenhouse can bring about far-reaching energy savings in greenhouse farming. the storage of summer heat underground means greenhouse windows can remain shut, turning greenhouses from large consumers of energy into net suppliers of energy. • greenhouse horticulture is to switch to closed greenhouses. • nutrients and water will be recycled. the discharge of polluted water will be forbidden.

Genetic modification and cloning genetic modification impairs the integrity of plants and animals. furthermore, this technology poses a grave risk to people, animals and biodiversity. the party for the animals rejects genetic modification (gm) and is a strong advocate for a gm-free Europe.

No gene technology cultivation in Europe. herbicide-resistant crops such as gm soya and maize have resulted in a huge increase in the use of poisonous herbicides and pesticides. furthermore, gm forms a threat to conventional and organic crops as the varieties can cross breed. • the netherlands will call for an end to the import and cultivation of gm crops in Europe. • Until such time as a full Europe-wide ban on genetically modified crops is implemented, individual EU member

states must have the freedom to opt-out of their production and cultivation.• no gm crops will be cultivated on netherlands territory. • the central government will support municipalities or provinces that declare themselves gm free. • We will invest in the development of organic, resistant plant varieties and crops.

No tinkering with animals. the genetic modification and cloning of animals is morally unacceptable and causes terrible suffering to the animals involved. • the genetic modification and cloning of animals will be outlawed.• the netherlands will call for a European ban on the import of cloned and genetically modified animals, their descendants and products made from these animals. • the netherlands will actively work for a worldwide tracking system to monitor the trade in cloned animals.

Honest information. although a large majority of citizens rejects genetic modification, genetically modified ingredients are nevertheless finding their way into more and more products. the party for the animals wants citizens to have the right to choose gm free not only in their food but also with respect to other products, such as biofuel and clothing. • products containing gm ingredients will be labelled clearly on the front.

No patents on plants and animals. the party for the animals does not believe that plants and animals can be the possessions of companies. our food supply must not be allowed to fall into the hands of monopolists.• patents on all forms of life (such hereditary material, Dna, markers) will be prohibited. • the netherlands will oppose efforts by companies such as monsanto and Basf to patent the genes of plants and animals. • the plant breeder’s right (the right of farmers and breeders to breed using seeds of their own plants) will be reinforced, both in Europe and in developing countries.

11


scientists warn that the loss of biodiversity is bringing us to the point of no return. in the netherlands, too, nature is under enormous pressure. natural areas have been sacrificed for asphalt, industry and cities. fertilization and dehydration, primarily as a result of intensive farming practices and the livestock industry, are serious damaging what is left: only 15% of the netherlands’ original biodiversity is still with us. and the loss of plant and animal species is ongoing. Biodiversity in the seas off the coast of the netherlands is in even worse shape. harmful fishing techniques and overfishing have seriously damaged the ecosystems in the

north and Wadden seas; eels are on the brink of extinction and many other fish species are in real danger. the fresh water-salt water convergences, which historically were abundant in our estuaries and important habitats for many

species of bird, have all but disappeared. What estuarine environments we have left have been denied protection and a chance to recover for too long.

nature has also disappeared from our immediate urban environments, while green cities and villages actually have so much to offer us: we save energy, we are less susceptible to flooding and in the summer we do not need to flee from the heat trapped in concrete. green environments promote health and wellbeing not only for ourselves, but also and especially for our children.

the party for the animals assigns nature the priority it deserves. We place the importance of a healthy earth above the interest of short-term economic benefits. We believe that everyone is entitled to a green environment.

nature, with its diversity of plants, animals and ecosystems, is

our greatest treasure. nature has its own intrinsic value and for

that reason alone deserves careful protection. moreover, the

wealth of species in the oceans and on land are the foundation

of our existence. Without healthy oceans and healthy forests,

we would have no clean air to breathe. Without biodiversity, we

would have no healthy soil in which to grow our food. nature

belongs to all of us. it is therefore our duty to ensure the conser-

vation and recovery of a healthy natural environment.

2 Space for nature

12


Nature reservesnature in the netherlands consists of a number of isolated areas, some large and others small. this fragmentation has placed species under pressure and continually pushes up the cost of protecting these species and nature reserves from their demise. and yet the destruction of nature continues and all other political parties show themselves time and again prepared to sacrifice more of our nature to other interests, such as asphalt, offices and coal-fired power stations. the party for the animals wants to part of this. nature is not a luxury, but a necessity for existance. the netherlands needs more nature, not less.

Connecting nature. Blue and green zones in which plants and animals can migrate are a crucial element in the effort to stop of the biodiversity. linking up nature reserves will improve the survival probability of plant and animal species. the only way we can restore a robust and resilient natural environment is by making the required investments to link up our nature reserves. • the original ecological principal structure (Ecologische hoofdstructuur, ‘Ehs’), the network of nature reserves, will be implemented in its entirety without delay.• robust connection zones, including the oostvaarderswold, will be prioritized and laid out in the short term. • natura 2000 areas will be definitively designated, both on land and at sea. Ecology will be the key consideration in decisions on designating the natura 2000 areas.• more than half of the netherlands’ territorial waters will

be designated as a sea reverse. in any event, the north sea coastal zone, the front Delta, the Doggers Bank, the Klaver Bank, the frisian front, the central oyster grounds, the gas fountains, the noordkromp area, the

Borkum stones, the Brown Bank and the Zealand Banks will be incorporated into the sea reserve network.

Preserve nature. We can no longer afford to sacrifice yet more of our natural capital to short-term economic benefit. What nature we have left in the netherlands must remain just that: nature. the party for the animals will deviate from this principle in extremely exceptional circumstances only. • plans for a specific activity or project that requires the sacrifice of existing nature will only be given the go- ahead if it can be demonstrated that the activity or project in question will contribute to sustainability in the long term.• the destruction of existing nature is irreversible. any such decision will require a qualified – two-third – majority. compensation for the loss must be effected in advance and be verified by an independent body.• construction in green areas must not be a less expensive option than construction in already urbanized areas. if building is carried out in green areas, the project developer will be liable to compensate with a new natural area that is three times as large as the green area lost and that is of superior ecological quality.

More nature in our neighbourhoods. people with nature in their immediate surroundings feel better, are sick less often and feel closer ties with their neighbourhoods. We may be able to save as much as 400 million euros in healthcare costs if we invested in nature. children play longer and more often outdoors when in more natural and green surroundings. animals partly depend on naturally laid-out gardens. the party for the animals believes it is high time we actually greened our cities and villages.• We will draw up a national plan for retaining and restoring nature in our cities and villages.• a statutory norm will be introduced for urban green that is in line with the United nations norm (48 m2 green per city or village dweller).• the creation of natural playgrounds, school gardens and green schoolyards will be actively stimulated and supported.• trees will be given better protection: the criteria for cutting permits will be tightened.• nature-focused objectives will apply for new building projects, such as green roofs, nesting opportunities for animals, trees and bushes in the streets and natural play areas in every neighbourhood.• citizens will be stimulated to keep their gardens natural through, among other things, proper information on the benefits of more natural gardens for people and animals. • municipalities will switch over to non-toxic means of

13


maintaining public spaces. • the sale of chemical herbicides and pesticides in garden centres and other retail outlets will be prohibited. products that disrupt hormones or are dangerous to pollinators will be immediately withdrawn from sale.

Nature recovery and protection‘Everything of value is defenceless’, wrote Dutch poet lucebert. although many natural areas are currently protected under the law, the law is hardly enforced. time and again, administrators grant licences for activities without conducting – mandatory! – assessments of the effects of these activities on nature. consequently, the only avenue available to conservationists is the road to the courts.the party for the animals finds it regrettable that the government continuously fails to observe its own laws on protecting nature. We are fighting for a more robust legal anchoring of nature protection and strict enforcement of the law.

No symptom-focused treatment. the management and restoration of the quality of the natural environment will be driven by policy that targets the source of problems: the causes of damage to nature will be removed to the greatest extent possible, resulting in lower managements costs. in the netherlands, intensive agriculture and livestock raising form the greatest threats to the quality of nature. We wish to pursue a comprehensive policy, where measures taken for nature and environment will not be detrimental to animal welfare. • rthe livestock industry in the vicinity of nature reserves will be phased out quickly.• the land in the so-called reconstruction areas will be decontaminated and not used for the relocation of livestock farms. • there will be an end to subsidizing of the livestock industry using resources intended for nature restoration: no subsidies for air scrubbers or low- emission stall systems. the principle of ‘the polluter’

pays also applies to the livestock industry.• Water levels will no longer be adjusted to the requirements of agriculture, but the needs of nature. this will give drought-sensitive areas such as fochtloërveen, Dwingelderveld, Drents-friese Wold, alde feanen and peelvenen a chance to recover. • to promote the recovery and preservation of marine ecosystems, the principle of ‘no, less’ will be implemented without delay. angling will be banned until independent biologists can demonstrate that a – limited – catch can be responsibly permitted considering biodiversity and fish populations.• angling will be subject to a total ban in sea nature reserves. other harmful activities will also be banned in protected areas at sea.• no further tax revenues will be invested in the development of ‘sustainable’ fishing technologies that still cause serious damage to marine nature.• the netherlands’ last estuaries, the Westerschelde and the Eems-Dollard, will be deepened no further. no coal- fired or biogas plant will be on the river Eems or at the Westerschelde container terminal.• free pathways for fish will be introduced as non- negotiable conditions for hydroelectric plants.

Restoring nature. much of the netherlands’ nature is in such poor condition that remedial action can no longer be postponed. • the restoration of natural areas that are near the verge of irreparable damage will be prioritized.• the Westerschelde estuary will be restored with urgency. the agreements set out in the schelde treaty, including the depoldering of the hedwigepolder, will be implemented fully. a plan will be drawn up for the further restoration of estuarine nature in the schelde area.• Within one year, the netherlands will introduce measures for the restoration of the estuary of the Eems-Dollard.• the haringvliet sluices will be opened enough to allow fish to migrate once again. We will draw up an action plan to adapt sluices and pumping stations to allow fish free passage.• the wrongful felling of forestland near in schineld to clear land for an approach route for military aircraft will be compensated in 2013 in the schinnen area.

Protecting nature. our nature requires statutory protection. • the erosion of the nature conservation act will be reversed. • the licence requirement for activities in and around protected natural areas will again be fully anchored in the law.

14


• in the past few decades, the national government and the provinces have permitted or tolerated many activities, particularly the expansion of livestock stalls, without first assessing the effects on nature. a subsequent nature assessment will therefore be performed on commercial and other activities that never were properly licensed. • the forestry commission and its natural areas will not be privatized.• to ensure we have access to health, clean water, we will observe the goals of the Water framework Directive. the measures necessary to meet these goals in 2015 will be taken via the fertilizer and herbicide and pesticide policy.• our nature and landscape must not take second place to recreation. • all plants and animals will be protected, including those not included in European treaties. the same principle applies to qualities such as space and peace. • a plan of action will be drawn up to tackle light pollution.• Ecologically important shipwrecks will be protected.

Protection of Dutch Caribbean nature. Bonaire, saba and st. Eustatius are home to more than 10,000 different species of plants and animals, including flamingos, iguanas and orchids. this special natural environment deserves special protection. • through regulation, enforcement, knowledge and financial support, the national Dutch government will contribute to the preservation of nature on and around these islands.• the protection of the coral reefs will be a priority.

Animal habitatsso-called ‘harmful species’, such as geese, foxes and muskrats, are intensively controlled in this country with no result other than the death of innumerable animals. geese are gassed on a massive scale and each year more than 30,000 muskrats find a gruesome death in traps or drowning sets. and it is yet to be proved that this culling has any effect on safety. nevertheless, each year tens of millions of euros are spent on the senseless and cruel culling of animals living in the wild, money that could better be spent on effective prevention measures.

the party for the animals wants the intrinsic value and protection of animals in the wild to guide policy. there is no place in nature for hunting.

Leave wild animals be. animals living in the wild must be left to live their lives naturally in peace. • animals living in the wild will not be killed. Exceptions

can only be made on account of urgent reasons, such as if an animal is suffering or public health is at risk. such decisions are to be made by the government, which will also be responsible for carrying out these decisions. • the animals in the oostvaardersplassen will be given a greater degree of shelter and access to the surrounding woodland, as recommended by the gabor committee, in order to prevent unnecessary suffering. the connection with the Veluwe (oostvaarderswold) will be implemented quickly. • the flora and fauna act will be tightened and strictly enforced to prevent animals being disturbed during periods when they are vulnerable and young animals being killed by grass cutters.• natural areas will be barbed wire free. the use of barbed wire in natural areas will no longer be permitted and existing barbed wire will be removed.

Prevention instead of culling. instead of culling animals that are considered to cause a nuisance, the party for the animals advocates a preventive policy. for example, the party for the animals is against the ‘geese 7’ agreement which arranges the capture and gassing of hundreds of thousands of geese in the summer.

• the ban on the gassing of living wild animals, including geese, which is currently repealed, will be reinstated.• the subsidy scheme for tolerating overwintering geese and wigeons will be abolished. these birds will instead be driven from fields used for cultivating grass and winter wheat by modern, non-lethal methods and enticed to areas not used for production, such as well- watered natural areas, dikes and unused strips of land adjacent to unpaved roads.• a preventative approach to spatial organization will prevent geese from causing nuisance in areas where their presence could be dangerous. sleeping and foraging areas will be situated close together and away from the vicinity of airports.

15


• the compensation schemes for agricultural damage encourages culling and discourages innovations in damage prevention. these schemes will be phased out to make way for a collective fauna insurance policy for farmers against crop damage. the funds thus freed up will be used to develop animal-friendly and sustainable methods of damage prevention.• the culling of musk rats will be ended. the funds released by this measure (31 million euros a year) will be spent on prevention and boosting dike monitoring capacity.• roads and village and town centres will be properly fenced off to keep away wild boar and deer. a night- time speed limit will apply to roads through natural areas.• the availability of food that wild animals can scavenge in residential areas will be reduced through better waste disposal policy. • alternative nesting sites will be established for seagulls and pigeons. • By drastically reducing the number of animal species that may be kept as pets, we will prevent animals that do not naturally occur in the netherlands from invading this environment.

Support for shelters. animals can be injured in both urban areas and the countryside – often as a result of human actions. the party for the animals believes the government be responsible for providing emergency assistance to these animals.• shelters for animals living in the wild will be professionalized and supported financially.

16


to reduce the risk of climate change and limit environmental pollution to acceptable levels, we must stop shifting responsibility to future generations, as soon as possible. this means that we must drastically reduce the emission

of greenhouse gasses, stop depleting natural resources and put an end to the loss of biodiversity.

the consequences of losing the goals on climate change out of sight will be great: the sea level will rise, droughts, flooding, both here and in other places in the world, failed crops, hunger and conflicts. nevertheless, the use of pollutant fossil fuels is only increasing. Besides oil and gas, other raw materials such as metals and phosphate are becoming scarcer. instead of recycling and winning them back, they will be lost for good.

the party for the animals wants a vigorous climate- and environmental policy to tackle these challenges. this will

also create opportunities for innovative and solution-focused companies. the netherlands can be a sustainable frontrunner in the world.We need to seize this opportunity with both hands.

Climate and environment the party for the animals wants the government to impose a framework outlining responsible production and consumption. We want the netherlands, along with the European Union, to be a true frontrunner in the worldwide mission of limiting global warming to a maximum of two degrees celsius.

A climate law for the future.• there will be a climate law in which annually increasing and binding obligations to reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses are recorded.• the net emission of greenhouse gasses is to be reduced to zero by 2050, with a 40% reduction of

our planet provides mankind with everything it needs: food, raw materials,

clean water and clean air. By behaving responsibly and preventing pollution,

there will be enough left for future generations. only by adopting strong

policies and changing our consumer behaviour can we stay within the limits

of the earth’s capacity..

3 Living within the earth’s capacity

17


greenhouse gas emission by 2020, at the latest. • the quality standard for air, soil and water will be determined and achieved on the basis of the precautionary principle.

Reducing the ecological footprint. We need all the technological solutions that innovative companies and technical Universities have to offer to solve the current environmental problems. But that isn’t all. We mustn’t stimulate over-consumption but slow it down. • the true costs of products and services should be reflected in the price and not be passed on to society, anymore. • honest and clear information must be provided on the impact of products and services on the climate and the environment.

Economize on raw materials. the raw materials in this world are limited. We have to cut down on them and treat them with care.• on a European level, stringent demands are made to the design of products so that materials can easily be recycled. • there is legislation which regulates that new products must, for a substantial part, consist of recycled materials.• manufacturers are stimulated to make products with a long life span. • Businesses are obliged to keep a record of the raw materials they use. • lease constructions whereby the companies remain the owner of products and the customer only hires a service, are being stimulated. this way, the manufacturer recycles more raw materials and a recycling mentality is stimulated. • Deposits are maintained and expanded to cover lemonade cans and small bottles.• it will be forbidden for shops to hand out free carriers bags.• the door-to-door circulation of printed materials will be replaced by an opt-in system: you don’t receive any printed advertisements or papers unless you have a sticker on your post box requesting them.• Dumping and burning of garbage will be taxed additionally.

Temporary environmental permits. the party for the animals wants strict control and enforcement of environmental laws. currently, it’s practically impossible to seriously tackle companies that consequently break environmental laws. • from now on, only temporary environmental permits will be issued. the permit will only be prolonged if the company can prove that it has actually met all the

conditions of the permit. • inspections and law enforcement will intensify for factories and companies that could form a risk to public health and the living environment. Violations will be punished more quickly and more vehemently.

Sustainable buying and outsourcing. the party for the animals wants the government to set an example when it comes to their buying policy. • 100% sustainable buying is to be the government standard. • When the government tenders out, tough sustainability criteria have to be maintained. • new and smaller companies will find it easier to win government contracts.• By buying sustainable innovations, the government boosts new economic industriousness and gives sustainable innovations a chance to enter the market. • food in governmental restaurants and canteens will be produced organically, regionally or it must meet fair trade standards and there will be at least one meat- and fishless day a week. • no bottled water will be provided in governmental buildings, only tap water. • government buildings will only use green electricity.

Energythe party for the animals wants to work towards a decentralised and sustainable supply of energy that companies and civilians can generate themselves. this will make the netherlands self-sufficient and allow the netherlands to stop burning fossil fuels by 2050, at the latest.

18


Save first. saving energy is the cheapest and most appropriate step towards a sustainable energy policy. the party for the animals wants to seriously reduce the consumption of energy in the netherlands. • there will be transitional provisions in the law forcing companies to reduce their energy use.• Unnecessary lighting in offices, shop windows and for advertising will be curbed.• Existing homes will be adapted to become low-energy. • products will have to meet stringent energy demands. • Where possible, the use of energy will be limited at a neighbourhood level, for instance by implementing systems that re-use residual heat. • an obligatory energy label for offices, both rented and bought, will be introduced.

Fossil energy is a thing of the past. the use of fossil fuels is outdated. nuclear energy is not an alternative as nuclear energy also depends on limited raw materials. on top of this, nuclear power plants produce extremely hazardous waste. clinging on to these sources of energy slows down and prevents the transition to sustainable energy sources.• there will be no new coal- or nuclear power plants. Existing coal- and nuclear power plants will be shut down as soon as possible.

• there is to be no storage of co2 in Dutch soil or in the north sea. • Empty gas fields are not to be used for the storage of (imported) natural gas. • no permits for extracting shale gas will be issued in the netherlands. • importing oil sands is to be prohibited. • Electricity and gas that was generated by burning or gassing refuse waste, manure and animal remains is

not sustainable and will therefore not be supported or be available on the market under a ‘green’ label.

The future is sustainable and decentralized. Every day the sun, wind and water offer enough energy. making a switch to sustainable energy sources is, therefore, possible. this has a high priority for the party of the animals. houses, companies and public buildings are to become net energy suppliers rather than energy consumers. • Energy power plants will be forced to supply an annually increasing percentage of sustainably generated energy. • self-generated energy can be fed back to the grid and balanced against the amount of electricity consumed. the energy companies will pay a cost covering compensation for the net energy that private individuals feed back into the grid. • inhabitant collectives can redistribute generated energy among themselves without having to pay tax over it. this will allow entire neighbourhoods to generate and share energy.• solar panels on buildings, along highways and around airports will become standard. • Wind energy will be made possible at locations where animals and nature aren’t affected by it. • Wind turbine parks cannot be allowed to have any

significant drawbacks to marine life. there is to be no pile driving during the construction of wind turbine parks. • there will be a coordinated approach to developing an electric infrastructure at sea.

Biofuels are not a solution. Biofuels gained from corn and palm oil, for instance, threaten the food chain, cause deforestation and contribute to global warming. • stringent sustainability criteria must be applied to the

19


production of biofuels. • as long as these criteria aren’t met, the netherlands will not import any biofuels.

Spacethe netherlands is a small and densely populated country in which construction and more roads keep claiming more green and open landscapes. the party for the animals wants to take care of the limited open space we still have.

Inner-city construction. the number of unoccupied office and company buildings in the netherlands is increasing. instead of constructing new buildings, the empty buildings should be given a new function through renovation and redevelopment. • inner-city buildings will become standard, saving the limited open, green areas. • construction of new offices will be brought to a standstill. instead, an effort will be made to renovate and redevelop unoccupied buildings.• Unoccupied office buildings will no longer receive tax benefits through reduced property taxes. once a building has been unoccupied for six months, a fee for lack of occupancy will be charged. • it will be easier to give unoccupied office buildings a different role, such as housing.

Wasteland to be used. Due to the crisis, many construction projects have come to a standstill and many former building sites are now wasteland. these sites are perfectly suited for small-scale resident initiatives that contribute to the quality of life in the neighbourhood. • Wasteland can actively be made available for urban agriculture, the development of nature and collectively managed parks and natural playgrounds. sites that aren’t being used yet can be redesigned as bee fields. • neighbouring inhabitants should actively be involved with the redevelopment of wasteland.

Cautious assessment, cautious involvement. space is hard to come by in the netherlands. often, multiple parties stake a claim to the same area. We want these interests to be fitted in carefully through solid environmental planning. it is essential that civilians are involved and have a say in the planning. • the need for a green, clean living environment comes first in all environmental planning. • there will be a national underground zoning plan. through zoning, locations will be allocated to geothermal heating and cooling. storage of co2 and nuclear waste will not be permitted anywhere.• the spatial design of the provinces will be fortified to limit disorganisation.

• there will be a national zoning plan for the Wadden and the north sea in which environmental and natural values determine the framework for all other activities. • the crisis- and recovery law will be abolished. a new environment law will only be passed if it improves the protection of the environment and nature as well as civilian rights. • the practice of turning permit procedures into general laws will be reversed.

Innovative mobility. the party for the animals pleads for a reduction in commuter traffic and stimulating environmentally friendly transport. • no new highways will be constructed. Existing plans such as the rijnlandroute, the Blankenburgtunnel, the broadening of the a15 and the rotterdamsebaan will be cancelled. • raising the maximum speed to 130 kms an hour will be reversed. on city ring roads the maximum speed will be 80 kms per hour.• public transport, also in the countryside, must be reliable, affordable and accessible, also for people with impairments. • the government is to stimulate flex-working and working from home. • there will be extra investments in safe cycling paths. Existing cycle paths will receive better maintenance. • the netherlands will not invest in extending airports. schiphol and lelystad airport will not be extended and twente airport will not be built. • the netherlands will invest in high speed train connections to destinations abroad and to the northern provinces. • there will be no night flights or aWacs flights over the netherlands.

20


the welfare of many pets is threatened by how they are bred, handled, kept and cared for. there are hardly any laws or guidelines to protect these animals against neglect and abuse —and the laws we do have, are hardly enforced.

at the same time, trading in animals and animal requirements is good business with an annual turnover of two billion euros.

this sector has faced great problems for years which the government won’t tackle. animal welfare comes second to the sector’s interests, which is demonstrated by the rogue breeding of dogs, cats, rodents and other animals, the trade in wild animals, the genetic defects due to the breeding of pedigree animals and the large number of animals that end up in animal shelters each year.

Despite pet owners’ good intentions many animals suffer due to commercial interests, impulse purchasing, bad housing quarters and care. that’s why the party for the animals stands for the adequate protection of pets through a national policy.

Keeping petsin the netherlands, you can keep just about any animal you can think of. tropical birds, raccoon dogs, bullfrogs, ostriches or iguanas; the list is endless. although everyone knows that not all animals, due to their nature and needs, are suitable as pets, the government still refuses to tackle this issue. and the few rules that we do have, are circumvented on a large scale as the trade in (wild) animals is highly profitable.

Finally introduce a positive list. the party for the animals wants to limit the number of species that can be kept as pets.

• as soon as possible we want to introduce a (short) positive list: animals on the list can be kept as pets; animals that aren’t on the list can’t be bred or sold as pets. • in determining the positive list, the natural behaviour, the nature and the needs of each animal are pivotal.

Eradicate puppy-mills and illegal trade. We want the puppy-mills and illegal trade to be tackled hard. the government must have an overview of the sector and track down and prosecute offenders. • an obligatory permit for breeders and traders is to be introduced.• all animals must be identified and registered.

Welfare must come first in pedigree breeding. animal health and welfare come first with us.• the breeding of extreme appearances and inbreeding will be prohibited.• a welfare hallmark is to become the counterpart of the pedigree family tree.

the Dutch keep animals. in almost half of all households, a dog

or cat is part of the family. But that isn’t all. Kangaroos, caimans

and barn owls are sold as pets as well. this amounts to a total

of 28 million pets in our country. they are living beings; not a

gadget, a toy or an accessory. therefore, pets need protecting.

it starts with respecting the intrinsic value of the nature and the

needs of the animal.

4 Living with animals

21


Limit impulse purchasing. the party for the animals wants to severely reduce the number of sales outlets for animals in order to prevent impulse purchasing. • selling animals on the internet and in garden centres will be prohibited.• animal fares will no longer be allowed.

• pet shops will be encouraged to stop selling animals. instead, they can refer their customers to a nearby shelter.• a time for reflection before purchasing an animal is to be introduced.

Welfare guidelines for housing and training materials. materials that are sold for animals must be suited to their need. • there are to be strict welfare standards for animal necessities such as pens, cages, leads, and training materials. • hutches in which a rabbit cannot even sit up, fish bowls that cause fish to die prematurely and painful shock collars for dogs are to be banned.

Proper medical care for pets. the party for the animals doesn’t consider medical care for pets a luxury.• the Vat for vets should go from the high to the low Vat rate.• there will be more clinics and consultations for minimum wage earners so that these people’s pets can also receive the medical care they require.

Shelters for animalsEach year, tens of thousands of cats and dogs end up in animal shelters. on top of this, come all the rabbits, rodents, reptiles and other creatures. although sheltering abandoned or found animals is legally a matter for the councils, government action is inadequate. the shelters

are predominantly run by hardworking volunteers and their financial problems have been piling up for years.

Proper shelter for all animals. shelters and animal ambulances must be supported to professionalize.• the network of shelters and animal ambulances

must provide national coverage for all animals. the government must provide sufficient funding.• the pet sector will contribute financially to the shelter of and care for abandoned and found animals: a fund for shelter will be created and per sold animal a contribution will be paid into the fund.• the Vat-rate on the rehousing of animals will go from the high to the low Vat rate.

Prevent forced renouncement. the party for the animals wants to prevent that people in need of care are forced to do away with their pets. • the rules for taking pets into health care institutions need to be relaxed where applicable.• if people require care at home, this should include the care for any animals present.

Improve emergency aid for animals.• animals are to be integrated into the emergency services’ contingency plans.• animal ambulances are to be issued with permits, just as any other emergency service is, to get to the scene at high speed so they can provide emergency care for animals, this could include permission to drive in bus lanes and on tram rails.

Animal abuseabusing or neglecting animals is unacceptable. however, the struggle against animal abuse isn’t given nearly enough priority in the netherlands. chances of getting

22


caught are extremely small and sentences are far too lenient. on top of this, the law hardly offers any possibility of prosecuting people who abuse animals. the party for the animals wants to make work of tackling animal abuse, even more so as there is a close link between domestic violence and animal abuse.

Tackle animal abuse.• the netherlands has a police force for animals with sufficient authority to track down and arrest people who abuse animals.• the law must be adapted to allow neglected or abused animals to be confiscated more quickly than they currently can be.• the public prosecutor’s office will assign more priority to prosecuting alleged cases of animal abuse or neglect. • a public prosecutor for animal abuse is to appointed to the court system.• Whoever abuses animals, won’t be allowed to keep pets in the future: the penal code will allow for a (life- long) ban on keeping pets as an independent verdict or sanction.

Confiscated animals are entitled to a good future.• animals that were confiscated due to abuse or neglect are not to be returned to their owners. after a period of recuperation and proper care they are to be rehoused with private persons. • selling confiscated pets to traders or for slaughter is to be prohibited.

23


the netherlands quite obviously places animal welfare and their intrinsic value second to human objectives such as fashion, pastimes, and amusement. animal testing labs deliberately make animals sick and kill them, even as the relevance of the research in question is not always specified or subject to independent audit.

Each year, millions of animals suffer from unjust assumption that people can use them whenever they please. sometimes animals are treated badly through ignorance or indifference. however, they more often fall victim to cold commercial interests.

the party for the animals wants to banish the knee jerk reaction that animals can be used for any purpose. amusement, sport, and fashion are not good reasons to injure animals or affect their welfare in any other way. animals are not utensils. Before using an animal, we first need to weigh up whether it is justified.

Experimenting on animalsEach year, Dutch laboratories breed and ultimately kill more than million laboratory animals.of these, 600,000 vertebrates are actually used in experiments. the remaining 400,000 animals are killed as ‘excess stock’ or are kept to breed new laboratory animals.

the view that animal testing is an inviolable standard is antiquated. animal testing-free techniques have proved to be much better models to increase our knowledge about human health and illness.

Reducing the number of animal tests. the party for the animals wants to put an end to all animal testing. this process needs to be sped up.• heavy investment in alternatives to animal testing. • alternatives to be applied sooner in practice. the netherlands is making a name for itself in Europe in this respect.• requests for animal testing will be tested more rigorously. Before a request can be made, they must first perform extensive literature reviews (systematic reviews).• the netherlands is resisting attempts to stall the European ban on using laboratory animals for cosmetics testing. the trading ban on cosmetic products that have been tested on animals is being strictly observed.• there will be an end to breeding and killing excess laboratory animals.• research with primates will be prohibited.

Publicity for animal testing. information about individual animal tests is currently confidential. this secretiveness hinders open debate on animal testing.• a public database will publish the results of all animal testing.• citizens and civil societies will have statutory opportunities to object against any planned animal testing. • Judges will be given the option of pronouncing on animal testing act observance. No biotechnology involving animals. the party for the animals believes that changing animals on the genetic level does not jibe with maintaining animal’s physical integrity. • a ban on biotechnology that involves animals.

animals are living creatures, they are not products or resources

for human amusement. animals have value in and of themsel-

ves. humans must take full account of animal’s feelings, awa-

reness, and interests. to cut a long story short, we believe that

animals should not simply be used for any purpose.

5 Limits to animal use

24


Animals exhibitedZoos and petting zoos do not show animals in their natural environment, but in cages or small enclosures. apathetic and stereotypical behaviour is common in zoos, nor do zoos contribute to increasing our knowledge or appreciation of animals. Just the opposite, in fact. Visitors mostly see animals outside of their natural context and ‘learn’ that it’s normal to keep animals in these conditions.

Zoos will be given an alternative function. the party for the animals argues for changing the role that zoos play. We believe that animal welfare is more important than the public’s desire to see an animal clearly.• Zoos will be transformed into storage, temporary or otherwise, for animals that cannot look after themselves in or be returned to their original habitat. • Zoo accommodation requirements will be tightened. these accommodations but reflect the animal’s natural environment is much as possible.

More focus for animal welfare in petting zoos. We believe that petting zoos only serve an educative purpose if children can learn how to deal with animals. the animals’ welfare must take centre stage.• petting zoos shall be subject to stricter statutory welfare requirements for animals in petting zoos. animals will be put in a position to display their natural behaviour. • We will set up a stricter breeding policy; animals born at the petting zoo will not be taken to slaughter.

Sports with animalsthere are pastimes in which animals play an important role that are called ‘sports’. these include angling, equestrian sports and pigeon racing. the party for the animals believes these pastimes should never affect an animal’s health or welfare. that is why we want strict regulation to protect animals in sport and recreation and to guarantee their welfare. if these welfare guarantees cannot be provided, the ‘sport’ must be banned.

A ban on angling and flying competitions. angling is like hunting - a pastime that disadvantages animals. pigeon racing is no exception as many pigeons die during the competition due to exhaustion.• angling shall be prohibited. angling shall be strongly discouraged for as long as there is no actual angling ban. this shall be achieved by such measures as banning ‘fishing lessons’ at school.• there shall be a ban on pigeon flying competitions.

Protecting horses. although horses are pack animals that need a great deal of freedom of movement, many horses and ponies spend the majority of their time alone in a stall. they’re given too much to carry and are prepared improperly. • We shall create a horse Decree. this will determine that horse accommodation must take natural horse behaviour into account, and include the option of making contact with their fellow horses and daily meadow access.• rules shall be created to guarantee the welfare of horses and ponies in training, and shall include a minimum age for which the animal can carry a load and a ban on damaging training methods. • horse markets shall be prohibited.

Events that include animalsfolk games, expressions of art, living nativity scenes, circuses and media appearances often leave something to be desired in terms of animal welfare. animals often undergo a great deal of transport, have defective accommodation, are given bad or insufficient food, and suffer from stress or under hot studio lights. the party for the animals wants to halt the disrespectful use of animals for the sake of tradition and entertainment. Curtailing events and uses that abuse animals. serious health and welfare infractions are inextricably linked with keeping animals in circuses and dolphinariums. the party for the animals wants to follow many other countries and put an end to this.• there shall be a ban on the use of animals in circuses and on hiring animals for events.• Dolphinariums will be banned as zoos. Dolphinariums shall only act as temporary storage for stranded marine mammals.• there shall be a ban on uses and traditions that damage animals such as living nativity scenes, pig wrestling, goose pulling, and collecting plover’s eggs. • We shall set up a code of conduct for the use of animals in art and the media.

25


Animals as fashion accessoriesfur is an unnecessary and cruel fashion item. in the netherlands, the huge majority of the population was against the use of fur decades ago. importing and selling dog, cat, and sea lion pelts is already prohibited, just as it is to breed chinchillas and foxes for fur. however, each year the netherlands hosts and skins 9.7 million minks for their fur. minks are wild animals, that fall into repetitive and self-harming behaviour in the fur farm’s cages. the party for the animals believes that animals are not fashion items.

Banning fur. • Breeding and killing animals for their fur shall be prohibited.• importing and selling every kind of animal pelt shall be prohibited.• fur shall be adorned with a sticker that indicates it is real fur for as long as fur sales continue. Animals as targetsthe netherlands hunts wild animals, often under the guise of population management. this occurs despite the vast majority of the population believing that hunting as a hobby should be prohibited. Every year, Dutch hunters shoot two million animals dead and two million more animals are shot at. this leaves young animals without a mother, partner bonds are cruelly cut short, and the group hierarchy and population dynamics are quite literally shot to pieces. hunting creates overpopulation because removing large numbers of animals stimulates reproduction. culling, releasing, and feeding animals disrupts the natural balance. Ending hunting. the party for the animals wants to put an end to recreational hunting - including shooting animals within the framework of so-called population management. • hobby hunters killing wild animals shall be prohibited.

if there is a pressing reason to kill and animal - for example because the animal is suffering, the decision and the implementation shall be the government’s to make. • only the national government shall issue culling permits and are thus subject to appeal and objection.• feral cats (felis catus) shall no longer be killed but shall be caught, neutered or spayed, and returned to the place they were caught. this will prevent feral cat populations from growing. • there shall be heftier penalties and increased field supervision to combat and prevent trapping and illegal hunting practices.• there shall be a ban on organising and advertising hunting tourism.• fauna management units shall be created.

26


the netherlands is a small country, and yet we still have a huge influence on other areas in the world. We are sei-zing agricultural land in developing nations, we import rare raw materials and are one of the countries that create the most pollution. We are exploiting the earth. European residents are currently using three times the amount of useable space that is available to each earth dweller.

according to the United nations, 70% of the world’s population will soon have no or limited access to clean drinking water. Experts expect hundreds of millions of to people to flee natural disasters each year if we do not put a stop to global warming. Defence specialists warn that destroying everyday environments will lead to wards in the future. all our efforts need to focus on preventing this outcome.

Developing countries Western overconsumption undermines both the earth’s capacity and the position that poor people around the world hold. they are hit first and the hardest by natural resource exhaustion, droughts, and floods. the party for the animals wants the netherlands and Europe to invest in effective solutions. sustainability, education, health, children’s rights and the equal treatment of men and women shall form the main focus points.

No longer creating problems for the developing nations. the way in which Dutch and other Europeans consume and produce has a direct influence on the lives of people in other countries. all Dutch and European policy should therefore be assessed for the consequences they will have on people elsewhere in the world.

the earth has enough to meet everyone’s needs, but not enough to meet

everyone’s greed. our actions must not magnify problems elsewhere in the

world. compassion and sustainability must form the focus of our foreign

policy. helping the world’s poorest and the victims of hunger and violence

is as far as we’re concerned an obvious goal. human rights are there to be

observed.

6 Internationalcollaboration

27


• European agriculture and fishery subsidies shall be phased out. • the netherlands shall stop importing products at the expense of living environments elsewhere or that are linked to human rights violations. • fishery agreements between the EU and third party countries are agreements that allow plunder and will be stopped. • the netherlands and Europe shall stop exporting waste products and toxic materials to developing nations for processing. this occurs at the expense of the living environment and human health.

Investing in development collaborations. We made an international agreement to spend at least 0.7% of what we all earn on development collaborations. the party for the animals thinks this agreement is insufficient and that the netherlands should strive to devote one percent of its gross national income on development aid. this aid must focus on the interests of people in developing nations and not on the Dutch business world’s interests. • Development aid shall focus on improving the position of impoverished populations in developing nations, especially that of women and children.• the priority shall lie on clean drinking water and hygiene, good (preventative) healthcare, access to essential medications and contraception, education, clean energy and supporting emancipation movements. this shall contribute to limiting population growth and shall give democratic processes a chance.

Sustainability shall ensure food security. people in developing nations are directly dependant on the quality of their environment for their food: fertile soil, clean water, biodiversity and the presence of other essential resources. • the netherlands must work hard for ecosystem recovery and to protect existing nature to combat the consequences of climate change and halt desertification.• the netherlands shall stop stimulating and exporting systems for intensive agriculture. instead, we shall invest in regional, agro-ecological agriculture.

Refugees Violence and structural injustice threaten a billion citizens in fragile states. these people depend in part on our help for their safety and human rights. Victims of war and violence, oppression and persecution, hunger, climate change, and natural disasters need help. The need for humanitarian aid is obvious. • the netherlands shall work towards decent accommodation for refugees in their own region. • the netherlands shall continue to contribute to help

and emergency aid needed by people in vulnerable areas so they can live a dignified life.• charitable donations shall be subject to a increased tax deductibility.

Balanced and fair immigration policy. • the netherlands shall actively work towards protection, safety, humanitarian aid and good living conditions for refugees in refugee camps. Evacuating refugees against their will, as currently is happening to 3,000 political refugees in the ashraf camp, contravenes international humanitarian treaties.• refugees that request asylum in the netherlands must have a definitive decision on their right to remain within two years. • children that have resided here for a longer period of time and who grew up with their roots here shall receive a residency permit. • residency permits for minor asylum seekers without family shall be decided on an individual basis. • the netherlands shall not send people back to their country of origin if they have been persecuted there due to their sexual orientation or religion. • anyone who through no fault of their own cannot leave the netherlands shall not be turned out onto the street, but shall have the right to accommodation and care.

International environmental policythe current international treaties that cover biodiversity and the climate are not or are barely observed. the party for the animals believes the time for a noncommittal stance has passed. the communal responsibility that countries have for keeping the earth liveable needs to be translated into hard, enforceable agreements.

An international legal order for our living environment. countries that do not honour the environmental treaty agree-ments shall be called to order on the international level.

28


• the netherlands shall make a case to set up an international Environmental court of Justice in the hague.• future climate, environmental, and nature treaties shall include concrete interim goals, for which countries shall be held accountable.

Setting a good example. the netherlands must lead the way with ambitious agreements in international environmental treaties. • the netherlands shall form coalitions with other countries to achieve results at international conferences to set ambitious international goals. these coalition countries shall implement the intended goals themselves - separate from the result from the conference.

Sharing raw materials fairly. • the netherlands shall work towards an international system of assigning quotas to natural resources. • all our raw material import and extraction shall be subject to strict sustainability and social requirements.

Global tradethe party for the animals believes more in morality than trade. human rights, animal welfare and sustainability must not lose out to short-term economic gains. Developing nations often carry the burden of global free trade, but doe not enjoy the advantages. We want to strengthen the position that developing nations hold in global trade.

Remodel the World Trade Organisation (WTO). • the netherlands shall work towards changing Wtos terms and conditions so that social values determine global trade. • Developing nations shall be given the opportunity to temporarily or otherwise protect their markets and to process their products for export themselves. • countries shall be allowed to decide their import limitations for themselves on products that disadvantage people, animals, or the environment.

Responsible free trade. free trade may not be a goal in and of itself, but should be used as a tool for prosperity and wellbeing. • free trade agreements shall only be concluded with democratic states under the rule of law that respect human rights and produces products in animal, nature, and environmentally friendly circumstances. • child labour and worker exploitation are unacceptable and shall be actively combated. • Developing nations shall be given more influence on international monetary fund (imf) and World Bank policy.

European collaboration and the EUthe party for the animals is for international and European collaboration. this is important for keeping the peace and is a component in tackling global environment and climate issues. this collaboration must have a good democratic foundation. complicated treaties and decision-making constructions make this difficult in the European Union. this creates a lack of decent, transparent, democratic control.

First we shall sort our democracy. We need to follow the correct sequence: first increase democratisation and transparency in the European decision-making process and then work on further political collaboration. • the European parliament shall be given more authority to be able to perform its supervisory role. it should also have a say on every subject and be given the power to revoke confidence in the European commission. • the netherlands shall not agree to further EU integration unless the nature of democracy is improved: no further transference of power and no treaties that curtail the authority of national parliaments.

No further expansion of the EU. it makes no sense to expand the European Union until the European Union is functioning democratically. the party for the animals is against the entry of new states under the current circumstances.

Defencein order to prevent conflicts we need to manage the earth in a sustainable manner and take care to ensure the fair distribution of food and resources. military intervention is seldom the solution and often leads to worsened conflict at the expense of countless human lives.

No combat missions. the party for the animals supports the United nations’ peace operations as legitimate, proportional, and effective. mission should focus on a fairer distribution of the earth’s natural riches. the party for the animals is against the so-called police mission in Kunduz.• the netherlands shall not cooperate on naVo combat missions. • the netherlands shall pull out of afghanistan shall send no more new troops. instead, our country will help rebuild afghanistan by providing civil support wherever possible.• the netherlands shall maintain full authority over its own armed forces. • the age at which our servicemen may be sent on missions shall be raised from 18 to 21 years.

29


Curtailing weaponry. • the netherlands shall work towards observing treaties against landmines and cluster munitions and towards global weapon trade regulation.• the netherlands shall remain a large international donor towards clearing landmines and cluster munitions remains and towards victim support. • the netherlands shall work towards developing an international legal framework to regulate the use of weaponised, unmanned drones.

• Weapon export policy shall be tightened so that no weapons shall be delivered to repressive and authoritative states that violate human rights. • the netherlands shall work on a universal ban on using any form of uranium in weapons, conventional or otherwise, and shall work towards an all-encompassing ban on nuclear weapons. • the netherlands shall not buy any Jsf jet fighters. We shall reduce and modernise our f16 fleet. • the nuclear weapons the netherlands presently owns shall be removed in short order from the country.

30


over the past few years, the government’s core tasks have been handed over to the market. pieces of education, he-althcare, accommodation, energy provision, and public transport have been left to independent administrative bodies and private parties. this has increased the distance between the policymaker and the party performing the work and the human factor in care and education institu-tions has been lost. Despite striving to reduce red tape, this has in practice led to an increase in bureaucratic mo-nitoring, inspection and accountability. the stance that the market works more efficiently than the government often proves false in practice.

the party for the animals believes that commercial mo-tivations should not play any role in public services that are available to all. We need a fundamental review of the relationship between the government, market and supervisory bodies. We need to realise here t

hat the government is not a business. Diligence, authority, service, transparency and efficiency, not figures, shall form the public sector’s focus. We need an active government to recover public authority on such topics as healthcare, edu-cation and accommodation. the government must also be selective and give people the space they need to work for themselves.

Governance and democracythe government has the important and framework deve-loping task of realising a sustainable and solidarity society based on compassion. the democratic content of the decision-making process in the netherlands needs urgent improvement. the electoral system must continue to represent our country’s citizens’ political views. raising the party hurdle or reducing the number of parliamentary seats has no place here.

a properly functioning government is open, transparent, acces-

sible and offers everyone equal opportunities. it designs and

monitors legislation and sets a good example in observing it.

it additionally manages social facilities that are essential for a

properly functioning society. a clear separation of church and

state shall ensure that the government does not impose its phi-

losophical convictions.

7 A Trustworthy government

31


the central government is siphoning offer more tasks to provinces and municipalities. the party for the animals be-lieves it is important for the government to not give away its governance in this manner. the preconditions for decentra-lisation should be solidly anchored in laws and regulations.

Robust management for sustainability. the party for the animals believes that the central government is focus on protecting nature, ensuring good spatial order and a clean environment.• We shall created a ministry of sustainable Development, space, Energy and animal Welfare that will bring the environment, nature, water and animal welfare together. • the minister of this department shall be given the authority to test other minister’s policies for sustainability.

Democratic and decentralised. Direct, democratic elections shall ensure the governors’ and politician’s legitimacy. • mayors shall be indirectly elected via the municipal council and the Queen’s commissioner shall be indirectly elected by the provincial council. • the District Water Boards shall still be directly elected instead of indirectly via municipal councils. they shall also be removed from their guaranteed seats.• municipal reorganisation shall only occur if there is sufficient support therefore from the population. • We shall stimulate the people to create citizens’ initiatives and simplify the process.• important decisions will call for an advisory referendum. • lobbyists must sign a register and make an appointment to talk with parliamentarians at every level of representation. the lobbyist register shall be made public. • policy developments that concern Bonaire, saba, and sint Eustatius shall take local circumstances and the local population’s wishes and interests into increased account.

Freedom of expression and religion. the party for the animals attaches a great deal of value on citizen’s individual freedom, as long as this does not infringe on the freedom and wellbeing of others. all citizens are equal, which is why the law should make no exception for the religious. the party for the animals has already take the initiative to scrap the existing exception for unanaesthetised ritual slaughter, that creates unacceptable animal suffering, from law. • there shall be a ban on unanaesthetised ritual animal slaughter.• We shall defend the right to freedom of expression. persecution for blasphemy shall be scrapped from the legal code.

Limiting the royal house’s position. the Queen represents the netherlands, but according to the party for the animals

she has no role to play in politics. • the head of state shall no longer play a role in the formation of a new government. • the royal house’s budget shall be greatly reduced: state grants shall be limited to the Queen and the heir- apparent. • the royal hunting department shall be disbanded.

Citizens’ rightsthe government is charged with ensuring citizen safety and equality. too often the government uses measures to limit citizens’ rights, often in terms of privacy, under the guise of safety.

the party for the animals believes that curtailing citizens’ rights may only occur in extreme cases, based on decent risk and impact analysis. the need for and proportionality and efficacy of basic right violations must be proved in advance. free and accessible information is an essential part of a sustainable and solidary society. the internet is a free and open medium and shall not be subject to censure. sharing knowledge shall be our society’s central focus. this shall stimulate innovative services and create a favourable digital business location policy.

Support for emancipation movements. the party for the animals believes it is the government’s job to ensure complete integration and equality before the law wherever there is an issue of discrimination against a group such as women, ethnic minorities, and the lBgt community. • it must use its power against all forms of discrimination: men and women shall receive equal pay for equal work; homosexual couples shall enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples. • special registrars shall no longer be able to refuse to marry a couple. • homosexual students and teachers shall be welcome at every school. • the government shall maintain a strong lgBt policy and shall invest in lgBt emancipation in multicultural and religious circles.

Protection of privacy. the party for the animals attaches a great deal of value to citizen privacy. people must be able to assume that the government is protecting their privacy. the citizen must have insight into and control of the details that he or she leaves behind online. • When designing it systems, they shall always ensure privacy protection. • Businesses and governing bodies shall be obliged to report any data leaks. • systems that cannot guarantee privacy shall be dismantled, such as the national electronic folders for

32


patients, students, and prostitutes.• the Dutch Dpa (cBp) shall be given then authority they need to perform their duties well, comparable to that of the netherlands competition authority (nma).• secrecy of communication shall be protected. • including fingerprints in passports and registering them in s central database shall be scrapped. • the government shall not share private details of air travellers or information about bank statements with other countries.• We shall introduce stricter phone tapping standards.

Right to information. citizen have the right to information on government services and businesses that spend public money. • the government information (public access) act (Wob) shall be tightened so information is faster to access. the number of reasons to refuse information access shall be curtailed.• Details of investigations financed by public money shall be made available to all.

Right to demonstrate. the party for the animals wants the right to demonstrate to serve as an easily accessible way to exercise freedom of expression. We are against any further expansion of the various order, enforcement, and security competencies without court intervention.• compulsory registration shall be scrapped for small demonstrations. • the period of time needed to register shall be shortened for demonstrations resulting from current events. • the duty to provide proof of identify shall be scrapped.

A free internet. the party for the animals believes that all legal information the internet should be available to all. internet providers must not limit access to websites or the use of services. We are against a download ban, because the chance that enforcing this law will violate individual citizens’ right to privacy is large.• there shall be no European internet censorship. there shall be no filter that closes of sections of the internet. We shall not ratify the anti-counterfeiting trade agreement (acta).• internet providers shall not be used as an extension of any investigative services. • the obligation to retain data on citizens shall be scrapped. • We shall investigate new payment models for films and music to modernise copyright law.

Legalise soft drugs. the party for the animals believes that people should be free in the choice of whether or not to use soft drugs. to this end, the user must be aware of the health risks associated therewith.

• soft drug use and production shall be legalised, so that harvests are legal and can be subject to excise duties.• the government shall arrange a good information campaign on the health risks associated with soft drug use.• the netherlands shall argue within a European context for a less restrictive soft drug policy.• people that wish to use cannabis for medical reasons shall be granted unlimited access.• the national pot pass introduction shall be rolled back.

Justice and securitythe party for the animals wants a society in which everyone is free to live their own life. But freedom is not an absolute concept. one person’s freedom cannot impinge on the freedom of another. should this be the case, is shall be up to the police, the ministry of Justice, and the judicature to stand up for the victim’s and society’s interests.

Accessible dispensation of justice. the party for the animals believes that people should always have the option of asking the courts for a judgement. high prices and accelerated procedures should not form a hindrance. • access to the law shall be increased through better legal aid for people with limited incomes. • court fees shall not be raised.• the options for public and professional participation shall not be limited any further. • a constitutional court shall allow judges to test laws against the constitution.

We shall improve the position of victims and their surviving relatives. there shall be a greater focus on proper information provision, supervision, reception, and after care for victims of serious crimes and their surviving relatives. • the will be an expansion of the victim and their surviving relatives’ right to speak in the criminal proceedings. this will help the victim process the crime and will confront the perpetrator with the consequences of their actions. • Victims and their surviving relatives shall have the right to direct psychological aid.

Safe on the street. safety policy shall not generate a false sense of security but must work towards making the netherlands a safer place. • there shall be more cops on the beat. they play an important role in ensuring safety.• camera supervision may only be used in places a court believes is a heightened risk area.

Firework ban. Each year, hundreds of people, including children, are seriously injured on new year’s Eve. half of the victims are bystanders who did not light any fireworks

33


themselves. the party for the animals wants everyone to be able to enjoy fireworks safely, without damage to humans or animals. • there shall be a ban on consumer fireworks. instead, people shall be able to attend professional firework displays.

Better protection for whistleblowers. • there shall more effective inspection of and enforcement concerning human rights breaches, giving or accepting bribes, whitewashing and other forms for fraud. • Whistleblowers shall be given legal and financial protection. • We shall set up an independent body for whistleblowers that will fall under the national ombudsman’s responsibilities.

Easy access to crisis relief. • We shall invest more in easy access to crisis relief and help in cases of domestic violence.• there shall be sufficient and timely debt assistance offered to prevent evictions and custodial placement. • the government shall offer food banks support.• investigative services shall focus more on recognising the signs of animal abuse in relation to domestic violence.

Educationthe current issues in the education sector are a result of successive reforms. countless cutbacks and mergers has created learning factories where there is no such thing as individual attention. the party for the animals prioritises the human factor: schooling must be accessible and based on the child’s aptitudes, interests, and talents. Learning for a healthy future. a sustainable and healthy society starts at school. • pupils at primary and secondary schools shall be given animal, nature, and environment education, where

they will learn to deal with the earth and its residents like responsible citizens.• Education on healthy nutrition shall be included in primary and secondary school’s basic curriculum.• primary and secondary schools shall offer lessons in media orientation in which the pupils shall learn how to deal with the internet and other forms of media. • schools shall invest in school swimming and physical education. • schools shall receive support with starting a school garden so children are given the opportunity to grow their own food.

Investing in quality. • suitable education shall not be subject to cutbacks so that children who need additional help and attention shall receive it. programmes and special education for gifted children shall also enjoy support.• teachers shall be trained and paid a salary that reflects the important work they do. • teachers, pupils, and parents shall have more say on their school. • schools shall be given the freedom to waive the attainment test in primary education.• it shall be easier for schools to operate independently, outside the larger context of the school community.

Science for the future. studying should be affordable for all. fundamental scientific research is essential to good, productive, and independent science.• the student finance system shall remain in place and shall not be converted into a loan system.• the fine for ‘eternal students’ shall be reversed.• all universities, including Wageningen Ur, shall henceforth fall under the responsibility of the ministry of Education, culture, and science.

Education without animal testing. Using animals in secondary and higher education, in dissections, demonstrations, and tests shall be brought to an end. for as long as this is not low, the government shall assure the student’s right to refuse to use animals for educational purposes, even in secondary education.• there shall be a campaign to bring pupils and education institutes up-to-date on the rights of those who refuse to use animals and the available alternatives.• students in medical and biomedical courses shall be instructed as standard in and in the use of alternatives to animal testing.

Healthcaresolidarity in healthcare is under pressure. healthcare

34


privatisation and market effects have created a situation where many healthcare institutions focus solely on maximising profit, at the patient’s expense. Everyone needs to have access to healthcare. to this end, it is not appropriate to cutback on the fundamentals of our healthcare system: the family doctor, the pharmacy, the psychiatrist, home care, and the hospital.

Prevention is key. living a healthier life, eating, and exercise play an important role when it comes to preventing disease and malaise. preventative healthcare affects healthcare costs as a whole. • the government shall stimulate healthy living and shall work to create a healthy living environment. • compensation for prevention – such as nutritionists and help to quit smoking - shall remain in the basic package.• citizens shall receive honest information about living a healthy lifestyle.• all broadcasters shall be subject to an advertising ban on alcoholic beverages.• there shall be a ban on advertising for sweets and fast food oriented towards children under the age of 12.• school cafeterias shall offer healthy fare: no fast food, vending machines, or energy drinks. • alcohol shall be limited to those aged 18 and over to address damaging alcohol use amongst youth. the negative and irreversible effects of alcohol on developing brains justify a measure such as this.• youths need space in their personal environments. We shall create more facilities for youths in their areas, including football fields, opportunities for play, and youth centres.• hospitals and nursing homes shall invest in healthy, tasty, and organic food. Affordable and accessible healthcare. healthcare should preferably be offered on a small-scale and regional basis and healthcare costs should be distributed fairly. • the health care insurance premium and the excess shall depend on income.• there shall be no personal contribution, this includes for the family doctor, the psychiatrist, and the hospital.• personal budgets are an effective way of interpreting personal healthcare needs and shall continue to be available to those that need them.• problems in youth care shall be tackled with alacrity. the cutbacks planned to go hand in hand with the transition of youth care from provinces to municipalities, shall be reversed. parents can approach a local youth welfare worker who can refer them to a specialised youth care institution.• raising the excess, removing services from the basic

package, and the free rates for dentistry shall be reversed. the pill shall be covered in the basic package.• scaling and mergers shall only be allowed if they can demonstrably improve the quality of healthcare. • We shall combat unnecessary medicalisation. the regional role of primary obstetric care shall continue unabated. Women shall be guaranteed the freedom to choose where they give birth.

Culture and mediaa creative society is a society with ample scope to develop. culture enriches life. it represents the intangible values that the party for the animals believes are important. culture gets people thinking, releases emotions, moves or disrupts, culture helps people think outside the box; and that is something society sorely needs.

Culture accessible to all. • art and culture shall be charged the low Vat rate of 6%, this includes the performing arts.• We shall invest in libraries as they are a key player in providing accessible providers of knowledge.• We shall stimulate cultural and historic organisations to digitise their archives to make and keep this legacy accessible.• museums shall give free admission at least one day in the week.• the central government shall promote monuments being given a new function. We shall prevent historically valuable premises from being demolished. • the government shall stimulate municipalities to draw up cultural-historic and archaeological value maps.• the government shall promote cultural landscape recovery, through such things as renovating or creating and hedges and bush rows. Free and independent art and media. We need independent investigative journalism to exercise control over the powers that be. When it comes to exposing our society’s wrongs, then the new media, including social media, has an inestimable role to play.• old and new media can make claim to the new media stimulation fund.• arts councils shall operate independently from politics. the process for awarding grants shall be transparent.• providing religious programming - other than via a subsidy to member broadcasts - is not the government’s job. the air time given to religious denominations and spiritually based fellowships to shall therefore be scrapped.

35


Back to business as usual is no longer an option. if we continue along our current economic path, we’re running a huge risk for irreversible damage to the climate, the stock of natural resources and biodiversity. this is not responsible from a precautionary principle point of view. moreover, the cost of not acting now are much higher than acting efficiently now.

the party for the animals wants a society where polluters pay for the social problems they cause and where sustainable choices are rewarded. a society where people work to live, not the other way around. Where banks and housing associations serve people.

Economic transitionthe party for the animals argues for a sustainable and solidary economy that meets the current generations needs, without endangering the future generation’s options. natural resources need to be distributed fairly, so that we leave enough for people elsewhere in the world and for future generations.

Improved growth measurement. the gross domestic product is not a suitable way to measure our wellbeing. this figure does not include happiness, health, the quality of education and a pleasant living environment whereas such things as the cost of cleaning up environmental pollution is not counted as a positive contribution. Because it does not distinguish between the quantity and the quality of prosperity, it creates an undesirable fixation on money, income growth and

consumption. the party for the animals wants to get rid of this limited focus on economic growth. We focus on wellbeing.• the government shall use indicators that promote a different take on the economy and that keep human and natural capital in mind when determining governmental policy and measuring our wellbeing.

A balanced budget. When people speak of bringing back the deficit to three percent, they’re talking about the monetary budget. the national ecological debt that we have built as a society is not included. however, the reality is that the globe is running up a shortage of more than 30% each year. the supply of natural resources the earth can provide has already been exhausted by september. We’re living the rest of the year on tick. the party for the animals wants a balanced budget for both public finances and the green state balance. We do not want one without the other, but simultaneously. as far as we are concerned, caring for the environment and nature is not a luxury for which there is currently no money, but it is essential to sustainable economic development, without a focus on growth.

Preparing for scarcity. We need to prepare for the scarcity of various raw materials. it is up to the government to take the lead here.• the netherlands shall make a case for a European tax on importing and producing raw materials that pose a threat to natural resources or the production of which entails negative environmental effects, such as wood,

Economy should be about what we can afford. Both in the finan-

cial sense as well as in terms of environmental space utilisation,

in terms of people in poor countries, in terms of the weakest

ones in our society, and in terms of the generations to come and

animals, nature and the environment. Unrestrained consume-

rism, the banking crisis, the Euro crisis and the privatisation of

utility functions are reason enough for reform.

8 The economic crisis as an opportunity

36


coal, animal feed, and phosphate. • there shall be a tax on raw materials and energy at the consumer level. this tax on the gross Extracted Value (gEV) shall be designed analogous to Vat. the gEV will replace Vat in the short term.

Regionalising the economy. many products would benefit from regional production. this includes food and energy. regional economic policy can be used to set up to close the waste and material use cycles. the netherlands shall abandon its aggressive export strategy and will instead focus on producing quality for its own market.

Fiscal greeningthe party for the animals argues for a strong greening of the taxation system. instead of labour, we want to tax polluting products and activities as well as the use of scarce raw materials. in so doing, we will generate income for the state and will stimulate the taxation system towards a sustainable lifestyle.

By proportionally lowering income tax, we shall create a good labour climate. the remainder of the proceeds from greening our taxation system we shall use to invest in green innovation and on compensating the effects our economy has the environment.

We can save five to billion each year by scrapping environmentally damaging subsidies and discounts in the netherlands and Europe. this creates a level playing field for sustainable entrepreneurs and encourages green innovation.

The polluter pays, the sustainable entrepreneur saves. • tax discounts for fossil energy producers, users, and wholesalers shall be scrapped.• the existing environmental taxes shall be raised, the taxes that have recently been scrapped such as the packaging tax shall be reinstated.• there shall be a levy for building on previously undeveloped land. the extent of the levy shall be determined by the social value of the open space lost.• the exemption for income from agricultural activities shall be scrapped, except for organic businesses. • there shall be a co2 tax products and services.• the energy tax shall be differentiated: coal power shall be more expensive than gas, green power shall be subject to less tax.• the duties exemption for red diesel, lpg, and kerosene shall be scrapped in their entirety. • ornamental plant cultivation shall be subject to the higher Vat rate. • the higher cost of raw materials shall be compensated

by the lowered cost of labour.• the green and culture fund shall receive a levy discount of 1.3% and the exemption from the tax on imputed return on investment recovery shall be reinstated.

Paying a fair price for food• meet, fish, dairy, and eggs shall be subject to the higher Vat rate.• there shall be a levy on those animal proteins whose social costs such as animal suffering and environmental pollution are currently being transferred to society.• Vegetables and fruit shall be Vat free on the European level; the netherlands shall make a case for this to happen.

Stimulate clean transport.• the tax exemption on employer’s payments for travel expenses using public transport shall continue. • We shall keep the fiscal stimulation for cycling.• there shall be a targeted kilometre levy that takes the time of day and the place of traffic into account. the user’s privacy needs to be guaranteed in a system such as this.

• the tax exemption for delivery vans and taxis shall only apply to cars with a low co2 output. • the reduced exemption from road tax for classic cars shall make way for the quarter rate, as that now currently applies to limited camper van use.• there shall be a 15 cent kilometre levy for cargo transportation.• the price of airline tickets shall include duties to offset the negative effects of air traffic. the netherlands shall introduce this measure itself and argue for its introduction in the European Union.

Financial marketsthe irresponsible behaviour shown by many banks with their profit maximisation and sky-high bonuses, in combination with inadequate supervision, has plunged the world into a deep crisis. the current Euro crisis is

37


costing us tens of billions. the party for the animals wants to reform the financial markets so that banks and money once again serve society.

Money is a tool, not a goal. introducing a communal cur-rency, the Euro, without first having a democratic political union as a foundation was a mistake. now the problems are stacking up, others are arguing for far-reaching politi-cal union, despite criticism from such corners as the Euro-pean courts of auditors on the democratic shortage when competences were transferred. the party for the animals believes that political collaboration cannot be forced and that this is therefore the wrong order. • for important decisions about the future of the Euro and the organisation of the European Union, we shall organise an advisory referendum.• the netherlands shall resist and shall not contribute to the European Esm Emergency fund. the Esm treaty means the netherlands shall stand surety for 40 billion for the European emergency fund over which the Dutch parliament has no actual authority. • supervision of common funds shall be democratically legitimised via independent inspection.

• the netherlands shall not transfer its fundamental powers with regard to its monetary policy or its governance to Brussels without consulting the public. • We shall develop with dispatch an exit strategy for countries whose financial policies do not fit within the Euro zone. • member states that threaten to collapse under their burden of debt shall be helped to rebuild their economy in a way that their population will accept. responsible debt restructuring is the basic principle here.

Banks restrained. the party for the animals wants to curb banks’ speculative trade, promote green investment, and protect consumers from high mortgage rates and exces-sively high interest rates on loans.

• We shall promote diversity in the banking sector. a pluriform banking landscape provides a spread of risk and healthy competition. the state shall retain control of aBn amro. • We shall create a green investment bank that the government shall control, to realise the transition towards a sustainable economy in collaboration with private green banks.• Banks shall be split into utility banks (payment traffic, savings, and local credit loans) and business banks, so that public funds are easier to save in the case of a disaster. • Banks shall be obligated to make investments transparent to their clients. • there shall be a substantial bank tax to price the risk that banks form to society. • there shall be a tax on financial transactions. this shall discourage hot money transactions.• Banks may not take any risks that do not represent their client’s interests. proprietary trading shall be prohibited.• no bonuses at banks. We shall watch to see that scrapping bonuses is not compensated with higher salaries.

• complex financial products shall be prohibited. The housing marketmost people are finding it increasingly difficult to find an affordable place to live. insecurity surrounding mortgage interest relief has locked the housing market down. there are simultaneously long waiting lists for affordable rental housing.

the party for the animals wants to make the housing sup-ply sustainable and gradually reform the housing market. this will give starters the opportunity to buy their own home and will give renters the chance to find a good home quickly.

38


The value of your own home. the party for the animals wants to get rid of the financial stimuli that stimulate debt accumulation and that impose a fine for paying off a mortgage. • the mortgage interest relief shall be gradually scrapped over the course of 30 years. this can be done by directly maximising the percentage that can be deducted to 45% and then lowering this maximum deduction percentage each year by 1.5%. the additional charges shall be partially returned by lowering income tax and scrapping the notional rental value.• Existing mortgages shall be treated the same as new mortgages. • the transfer tax shall be scrapped.• Banks shall be obligated to offer increased opportunities to pay off existing mortgages without having to pay a fine.

Worry-free renting. housing associations shall perform an important social role: offering good and affordable rental properties. many housing associations have lost sight of this as a consequence of privatisation and lack of adequate supervision.• the privatisation of housing associations shall be reversed. • large housing associations shall be split up. • the residents shall be given more influence via increased public participation on the housing associations’ policy. • anyone with a good income occupying a social rental property shall pay more rent to promote moving up the housing ladder. • the government shall come down harder on mala fide renters and slumlords.

Living sustainably. We aim to make the housing supply energy neutral at the very least. Even better would be for houses and buildings to generate more energy than they use. this will benefit the environment, create jobs and mean lower energy bills.• housing associations shall be obligated to insulate part of their housing stock each year. • municipalities shall actively work to make their suburbs more green; national rules shall not hinder them in this work. • Every municipality shall appoint a coordinator to support residents with advice and action if they wish to make their suburb sustainable.• the existing government buildings shall be made energy neutral within five years and shall be equipped with solar panels.• all newly constructed buildings shall be made energy neutral at the very least from now on.

• We shall apply a low Vat rate to encourage energy renovations.• the property tax (oZB) shall be differentiated towards energy use.

Stimulus for multi-generational dwellings. the party for the animals believes it is important for care and support for the elderly, people with a handicap, and children to take place in their own suburb. this supports social cohesion and combats loneliness. it simultaneously delivers healthcare savings. • We shall encourage multi-generational dwellings with a generous policy with regard to building sheltered support accommodation for youths or the aged on one’s personal property. • housing associations and property developers shall develop housing where living and care are combined.

Student accommodation shall be given priority. the party for the animals wants to give students a good chance of living near their studies. • lessees and student lessees shall be given the right to a housing allowance if the rent satisfies a points system. • Where there is a shortage of student accommodation, we shall quickly realise sustainable housing, preferably in unoccupied buildings or offices.

Combating the lack of occupancy. While many people are looking for affordable housing, many buildings are empty. lack of occupancy should not be rewarded.• the squatting ban shall be reversed.• reporting unoccupied office buildings and retail spaces shall be compulsory.• Buildings being used to combat squatting shall be subject to a maintenance obligation.

Work and incomeUnemployment in the netherlands is on the rise. many people find themselves in an uncertain situation and are asking themselves if they’ll ever get a job or a permanent contract. simultaneously, the increased pace of work and need to continuously perform ensures more stress and haste in our society, and more and more people are falling by the wayside.

Making the labour market more flexible. By greening the tax system, we can decrease the tax on labour. this will make it simpler for businesses to hire people and the netherlands can maintain and create jobs. shorter work weeks shall contribute to a better division of the work available and will simultaneously lower both the unemployment rate and the pressure our society places on the environment. this will also make combining a paying

39


job with mutual care or volunteer work easier.• We shall retain employment protection. severance pay shall be linked to the realistic damage the employee has suffered and their position in the labour market. • the period for claiming the unemployment benefit shall be shortened, whereas the this payment shall be increased for the first few months. • the government shall encourage and facilitate additional training and retraining, by offering internships for example. • people who are unemployed over the long term need financial stimulation to fulfil social duties. the government shall use this to maintain and promote a feeling of labour participation.• independent entrepreneurs without personnel (ZZpers) and flex workers shall be given access to a (collective) invalidity insurance and retirement pension insurance.

A secure old age. the party for the animals want to treat the young and elderly fairly.• Everyone who is now 60 or older shall be subject a retirement age of 65.• as of 2018, the retirement age will be gradually increased to that the retirement age in 2030 shall be 67.• an exception shall be made for people with a long history of employment. if you have worked for 45 years, you have the right to retire, no matter what your age.• Employees shall be given more freedom and flexibility to make choices concerning their pension accrual.

Using every talent.• the household shall not be subject to an income assessment, welfare payments shall be based on the

individual. • the invalidity insurance (young Disabled persons) act (Wajong) and the social housing guarantee fund (WsW) shall form a safety net for people with a disability. they shall be given opportunities to access useful daytime activities with options to move onto paid employment. • We shall retain the facility for social workplaces and it shall be used to provide people with gainful employment near their houses, at a level they can tolerate, with sufficient supervision, and for a decent wage.• Unemployed youths shall work towards improved prospects in the labour market in work opportunity projects in such sectors as healthcare and organic agriculture.• the benefit rules shall be modified so that unemployed persons can do volunteer work and internships, even if that work is not directly related to the labour market.

Equal opportunities, equal rewards. the party for the animals believes that your wages shouldn’t depend on whether you are a woman or a man, married, living with a partner, or single, an immigrant or a Dutch national. • the current differences in the tax system shall be put to rights. • the child benefit shall depend on the parents’ income. • fathers shall be given a week of paternity leave instead of the current two days. • child care shall be safe, affordable, close to work, and flexible, so that parents can combine their care duties with their work. the government contribution shall remain in force.• Divorce law shall be adjusted to create more equality between ex partners.

Documents

Be true to your ideals - Partij voor de Dieren · 2018. 9. 7. · 3 ElEctoral programmE 2012 party for thEanimals Be true to your ideals Make them count. the earth has enough to meet