Nieuws van de afdeling

14 August 2009

Lisbon treaty: three strikes, you’re out

In 2005 the Dutch people overwhelmingly said ‘no’ to the constitutional treaty, just as the French had done some days before. In contrast to the Irish, this was the first time the Dutch people had been allowed a say about the future of Europe; and they made it clear that they didn’t like the way it was heading. Did they want to get out of the EU? No - the Dutch are big supporters of EU membership, just like the Irish, but they don’t want Europe to develop into a federal superstate.

6 August 2009

SP development specialist in talks with Nicaraguan foreign office minister

SP Member of Parliament Ewout Irrgang, the party’s development spokesman, today held talks in the Dutch national parliament with Valdracq Jaentschke, junior minister for foreign affairs in the Nicaraguan government. The minister is on an official visit to the Netherlands and the two discussed Dutch development cooperation in Nicaragua as well as the situation in neighbouring Honduras.

5 August 2009

‘Investigate alleged role of slush funds in sale of tanks to Chile’

The government must conduct a criminal investigation into the sale of tanks to Chile, according to SP Member of Parliament and military affairs spokeswoman Krista van Velzen. Two officers have been arraigned by the South American country’s courts on suspicion of accepting kickbacks in connection with the sale.

27 July 2009

Hope for Iran

Violence and repression. That has been the reaction to the continuing demonstrations in Iran. Protests from ordinary citizens against an oppressive regime. A regime that is trying, by bloody means, to hold on to power. Many people have lost their lives during these demonstrations, many more have been injured or thrown into prison.

20 July 2009

Extortion at Bulgarian border must be stopped

SP Member of Parliament Harry van Bommel is urging the government to demand that Bulgaria tackle corrupt border guards who are swindling money from holidaymakers travelling to Turkey. People going into Turkey via the Bulgarian border are being asked to provide a medical certificate stating that they do not have Mexican swine flu. If they cannot do so, they are forced to pay. “This is a straightforward swindle," says Van Bommel. "Corrupt border guards dream up some new scheme every year to line their pockets at the expense of holidaymakers. Bulgaria is an EU member state, and this shouldn't be allowed to continue."

18 July 2009

‘So many lies are being spread to frighten people'

‘It's almost unbelievable how much nonsense is being put about by those who support the idea of making us work till we're 67,' says SP leader Agnes Kant. Below, Kant vigorously counters the arguments in favour of raising the pension age.

International