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Christian Democratic and Flemish

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Christian Democratic and Flemish[10][11] (Dutch: Christen-Democratisch en Vlaams, pronounced [ˌkrɪstə(n)deːmoːˈkraːtis ɛɱ ˈvlaːms] ⓘ; CD&V) is a Flemish Christian-democratic political party in Belgium.[2][3] The party has historical ties to both trade unionism (ACV) and trade associations (UNIZO) and the Farmer's League. Until 2001, the party was named the Christian People's Party (Christelijke Volkspartij [ˈkrɪstələkə ˈvɔlkspɑrˌtɛi], CVP).

Christian Democratic and Flemish
Christen-Democratisch en Vlaams
AbbreviationCD&V
PresidentSammy Mahdi
Founded1968; 56 years ago (1968) (CVP)
2001; 23 years ago (2001) (CD&V)
Preceded byChristian Social Party
HeadquartersWetstraat 89
1040 Brussels
Membership (2017)Decrease 48,791[1]
IdeologyChristian democracy[2][3][4]
Social conservatism
Political positionCentre[5][6][7] to centre-right[8]
Regional affiliationChristian Group[9]
European affiliationEuropean People's Party
European Parliament groupEuropean People's Party
International affiliationCentrist Democrat International
Francophone counterpartHumanist Democratic Centre (until 2022)
Germanophone counterpartChristian Social Party
Colours  Orange
Chamber of Representatives
11 / 87
(Flemish seats)
Senate
5 / 35
(Flemish seats)
Flemish Parliament
16 / 124
Brussels Parliament
1 / 17
(Flemish seats)
European Parliament
2 / 12
(Flemish seats)
Flemish Provincial Councils
40 / 175
Benelux Parliament
2 / 21
Website
www.cdenv.be

It was traditionally the largest political party of Flanders, until it was overtaken by the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) in the 2010s. CD&V participated in most governments and has generally the largest number of mayors. Most prime ministers of Belgium and minister-presidents of Flanders have been CD&V politicians. Herman Van Rompuy, the president of the European Council from 2009 to 2014, is one of the leading politicians of CD&V.

CD&V is a member of the European People's Party (EPP) and Centrist Democrat International.

History

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The history of the CD&V dates back to the 19th century. It originated in the 19th century Catholic Party. At the end of the century, the new fraction of Christian democrats shifted the focus of the party slightly to the left. In the interwar years the party was renamed Catholic Bloc. Then, the Christian Social Party (PSC-CVP) existed from 1945 until 1968. In 1968, the PSC-CVP was split into the French-speaking Christian Social Party (PSC, now Les Engagés) and Flemish Christian People's Party (Christelijke Volkspartij CVP).[12][13] In 2001 the CVP changed its name to the CD&V.

The party was almost continually in power from its establishment until 1999, with the exception of 1954–1958. In 1999, the Flemish Liberals and Democrats (VLD) became the largest party in Belgium, and formed a majority purple government of liberals, social democrats and greens. The same happened in the Flemish Government, but with the addition of Flemish nationalists. In 2003 CD&V again lost the federal elections which continued the federal centre-left coalition, but this time without the Greens.

In 2004, Flemish elections were held and the CD&V once more became the largest political party by representation in the Flemish Parliament. Yves Leterme became Flemish minister-president. After successful local elections in 2006, the party became the largest party in the Belgian Chamber of Representatives after the federal elections of 2007. The CD&V led the subsequent coalition talks, which repeatedly stalled (see 2007–2008 Belgian government formation). On the 20 March 2008, a new federal government was finally assembled, led by Yves Leterme. Kris Peeters subsequently became the next minister-president of Flanders. From 30 December 2008 till 25 November 2009, Herman Van Rompuy led his first cabinet before becoming the first permanent president of the European Council. Afterwards, Yves Leterme led his second government.

In June 2009, Flemish elections were held and the CD&V remained the largest party of Flanders. Kris Peeters stayed as Flemish minister-president. The party also remained the largest Flemish party in the European Parliament after the 2009 European elections.

In 2010, the Open Flemish Liberals and Democrats (Open VLD) decided to step out of the federal coalition, consequently ending the government. The federal elections of 2010 resulted in a major loss of historic proportions for CD&V, largely due to votes lost to the Flemish-nationalist New Flemish Alliance. In the campaign, former prime minister Yves Leterme took a subtle step aside as frontrunner of the party. The president of the party, Marianne Thyssen, had pre-electorally stated that she was a candidate to become prime minister.

On 6 December 2011, the Di Rupo Government was formed, with the CD&V as the largest Flemish party.

During the local elections in 2012, CD&V managed to remain the largest Flemish party on the local level. It remained in the coalition of all five Flemish provinces and in three quarters of the municipalities. Almost half of these municipalities were subsequently led by CD&V mayors.

Ideology

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CD&V is a Flemish party that follows the principle of Christian democracy. Its core values include the importance of the family, promoting a respectful and warm society, and recognizing the intrinsic value of each individual. The party places a strong emphasis on well-being and health care, as well as the pursuit of an equitable income for all citizens. However, on the ethical front, CD&V holds conservative positions, particularly on issues such as abortion and euthanasia, where the party is reluctant to fast-track relaxations. Combining these conservative ethics with progressive socioeconomic policies, CD&V is often considered a "centre party". In its administrative activities, CD&V nurtures close ties with civil society, including trade unions, professional federations and various associations. In doing so, the party strives to represent the voice of rural areas and the agricultural sector.[14]

Members holding notable public offices

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European politics

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European Parliament
Name Committees Notes
Cindy Franssen Employment and Social Affairs
Women's Rights and Gender Equality
Special Committee on Beating Cancer
Tom Vandenkendelaere Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection
Subcommittee on Security and Defence 		Replaces Kris Peeters, who became Vice-president of the EIB[15]

Federal politics

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Chamber of Representatives
Name Notes Name Notes
  Servais Verherstraeten Faction leader   Jef Van den Bergh
  Nahima Lanjri   Koen Geens
  Els Van Hoof   Steven Matheï Replaces Wouter Beke, who became Flemish Minister
  Nawal Farih   Jan Briers
  Leen Dierick   Nathalie Muylle
  Hendrik Bogaert   Franky Demon
Senate
Type Name Notes
Co-opted Senator   Baroness Sabine de Bethune Faction leader
Community Senator   Peter Van Rompuy Son of Herman Van Rompuy
Community Senator   Karin Brouwers
Community Senator   Orry Van de Wauwer
Community Senator   Martine Fournier
Belgian Federal De Croo Government
Public Office Name Function
Deputy Prime Minister Vincent Van Peteghem Finance and the Coordination of the fight against fraud
Minister Annelies Verlinden the Interior, Institutional Reforms and Democratic Renewal
Secretary of State Sammy Mahdi Asylum and Migration

Regional politics

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Flemish Parliament
Name Notes Name Notes
  Peter Van Rompuy Fraction Leader   Karin Brouwers Community Senator
  Katrien Partyka Mayor of Tienen   Jo Brouns Mayor of Kinrooi
  Lode Ceyssens Mayor of Oudsbergen   Vera Jans
  Orry Van de Wauwer Community Senator   Tinne Rombouts
  Katrien Schryvers   Koen Van den Heuvel Mayor of Puurs-Sint-Amands
  Joke Schauvliege   Stijn De Roo Replaces Vincent Van Peteghem, who became Federal Minister
  Robrecht Bothuyne   Maaike De Rudder Mayor of Sint-Gillis-Waas
  Martine Fournier Community Senator   Brecht Warnez Replace Hilde Crevits, who became Flemish Minister
  Bart Dochy Mayor of Ledegem   Loes Vandromme
  Kurt Vanryckeghem Mayor of Waregem
Flemish Government Jambon
Public Office Name Function
Vice minister-president Hilde Crevits Economy, Employment, Social Economy, Innovation and Agriculture
Minister Wouter Beke Welfare, Health, Family and Poverty Reduction
Minister Benjamin Dalle relations with Brussels, Media and Youth
Parliament of the Brussels-Capital Region
Name Notes
Bianca Debaets

Election results

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Chamber of Representatives

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Results for the Chamber of Representatives, in percentages for the Kingdom of Belgium. From 1971 tot 1999: CVP figures. 2003: CD&V figures. 2007: CD&V/N-VA figures. From 2010 onwards: CD&V figures.

2024 Belgian federal election2019 Belgian federal election2014 Belgian federal election2010 Belgian federal election2007 Belgian federal election2003 Belgian federal election1999 Belgian federal election1995 Belgian federal election1991 Belgian federal election1987 Belgian general election1985 Belgian general election1981 Belgian general election1978 Belgian general election1977 Belgian general election1974 Belgian general election1971 Belgian general election
Election Votes % Seats +/- Government
1971 967,701 18.3
47 / 212
 Coalition
1974 1,222,646 23.2
50 / 212
   3 Coalition
1977 1,460,757 26.2
56 / 212
   6 Coalition
1978 1,447,112 26.1
57 / 212
   1 Coalition
1981 1,165,239 19.3
43 / 212
   14 Coalition
1985 1,291,244 21.3
49 / 212
   6 Coalition
1987 1,195,363 19.4
43 / 212
   6 Coalition
1991 1,036,165 16.8
39 / 212
   4 Coalition
1995 1,042,933 17.2
29 / 150
   10 Coalition
1999 875,967 14.1
22 / 150
   7 Opposition
2003 870,749 13.3
21 / 150
   1 Opposition
2007[a] 1,234,950 18.5
25 / 150
   4 Coalition
2010 707,986 10.9
17 / 150
   8 Coalition
2014 783,060 11.6
18 / 150
   1 Coalition
2019 602,520 8.9
12 / 150
   6 Coalition
2024 557,392 7.9
11 / 150
   1
TBD
  1. ^ In coalition with N-VA; 30 seats won by CD&V/N-VA

Senate

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Election Votes % Seats +/-
1971[a] 1,547,853 29.7
12 / 106
1974 1,219,811 25.5
27 / 106
   15
1977 1,446,806 26.2
28 / 106
   1
1978 1,420,777 25.9
29 / 106
   1
1981 1,149,353 19.3
22 / 106
   7
1985 1,260,113 21.0
25 / 106
   3
1987 1,169,377 19.2
22 / 106
   3
1991 1,028,699 16.8
20 / 106
   2
1995 1,009,656 16.8
7 / 40
   13
1999 913,508 14.7
6 / 40
   1
2003 832,849 12.7
6 / 40
   0
2007[b] 1,287,389 19.4
8 / 40
   2
2010 646,375 10.0
4 / 40
   4
  1. ^ In coalition with Christian Social Party
  2. ^ In coalition with N-VA; 9 seats won by CD&V/N-VA

Regional

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Brussels Parliament

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Election Votes % Seats +/- Government
D.E.C. Overall
1989 18,523 4.2 (#6)
4 / 75
 Coalition
1995 13,586 3.3 (#6)
3 / 75
   1 Coalition
1999 14,284 23.6 (#2) 2.3 (#6)
3 / 75
   0 Coalition
2004[a] 10,482 16.8 (#4) 2.3 (#9)
3 / 89
   0 Coalition
2009 7,696 14.8 (#4) 1.7 (#9)
3 / 89
   0 Coalition
2014 6,105 11.4 (#5) 1.3 (#13)
2 / 89
   1 Coalition
2019 5,231 7.5 (#6) 1.1 (#14)
1 / 89
   1 Opposition
2024 5,102 6.3 (#8) 1.0 (#15)
1 / 89
   0
TBD
  1. ^ In coalition with N-VA; 3 seats won by CD&V/N-VA

Flemish Parliament

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Election Votes % Seats +/- Government
1995 1,010,505 26.8 (#1)
37 / 124
 Coalition
1999 857,732 22.1 (#1)
30 / 124
   7 Opposition
2004[a] 1,060,580 26.1 (#1)
29 / 124
   1 Coalition
2009 939,873 22.9 (#1)
31 / 124
   2 Coalition
2014 860,685 20.5 (#2)
27 / 124
   4 Coalition
2019 652,766 15.4 (#3)
19 / 124
   8 Coalition
2024 571,137 13.0 (#4)
16 / 124
   3 Coalition
  1. ^ In coalition with N-VA; 35 seats won by CD&V/N-VA

Provincial

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Election Votes % Councilors
1994
152 / 401
2000
128 / 411
2006 1,231,655 30.6
136 / 411
2012 877,019 21.5
82 / 351
2018 822,488 19.7
40 / 175

European Parliament

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Election List leader Votes % Seats +/- EP Group
D.E.C. Overall
1979 Leo Tindemans 1,607,941 48.09 (#1) 29.54
7 / 24
 New EPP
1984 1,132,682 32.53 (#1) 19.80
4 / 24
   3
1989 1,247,075 34.08 (#1) 21.14
5 / 24
   1
1994 1,013,266 27.43 (#1) 16.98
4 / 25
   1
1999 Miet Smet 839,720 21.68 (#2) 13.49
3 / 25
   1 EPP-ED
2004[a] Jean-Luc Dehaene 1,131,119 28.15 (#1) 17.43
3 / 24
   0
2009 948,123 23.26 (#1) 14.43
3 / 22
   0 EPP
2014 Marianne Thyssen 840,814 19.96 (#3) 12.56
2 / 21
   1
2019 Kris Peeters 617,651 14.53 (#4) 9.17
2 / 21
   0
2024 Wouter Beke 594,968 13.20 (#3) 8.84
2 / 22
   0
  1. ^ In coalition with N-VA; 4 seats won by CD&V/N-VA

Presidents

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CVP/PSC

CVP

CD&V

Until 1968 this lists gives the president of the Flemish part of the unitary CVP/PSC. The party changed its name from CVP to CD&V on 29 September 2001.

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ "Ondanks hoeraberichten: steeds minder partijleden". vrtnws. 23 January 2018.
  2. ^ a b Nordsieck, Wolfram (2019). "Flanders/Belgium". Parties and Elections in Europe. Retrieved 2019-05-30.
  3. ^ a b Ari-Veikko Anttiroiko; Matti Mälkiä (2007). Encyclopedia of Digital Government. Idea Group Inc (IGI). p. 397. ISBN 978-1-59140-790-4. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  4. ^ Bale, Tim (2021). Riding the populist wave: Europe's mainstream right in crisis. Cristóbal Rovira Kaltwasser. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. p. 34. ISBN 978-1-009-00686-6. OCLC 1256593260.
  5. ^ Devillers, Sophie; Baudewyns, Pierre; De Winter, Lieven; Reuchamps, Min (1 November 2018). "Who do you feel and what future do you want for Belgium? A comparison of candidates and voters' identities and institutional preferences" (PDF). In Vandeleene, Audrey; De Winter, Lieven; Baudewyns, Pierre (eds.). Candidates, Parties and Voters in the Belgian Partitocracy. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 978-3-319-96460-7.
  6. ^ Keman, Hans (25 July 2008). "The Low Countries: Confrontation and Coalition in Segmented Societies". In Colomer, Josep M. (ed.). Comparative European Politics (3rd ed.). Routledge. p. 220. ISBN 978-1-134-07354-2.
  7. ^ Derks, Anton (2007). "Populist Challenges to the Welfare State in Belgium: On the Susceptibility of the Underprivileged for Anti-Welfare State Discourse and Politics". In Mau, Steffen; Veghte, Benjamin (eds.). Social Justice, Legitimacy and the Welfare State. Ashgate Publishing. p. 182. ISBN 978-0-7546-4939-7.
  8. ^ Hyman, Richard; Gumbrell-McCormick, Rebecca (2010). "Trade unions, politics and parties: is a new configuration possible?" (PDF). Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research. 16 (3): 315–331. doi:10.1177/1024258910373863. S2CID 154513832.
  9. ^ "Politieke fracties". Benelux Parliament (in Dutch). Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  10. ^ Brown, Stephen (1 December 2019). "Flanders' new battleground: culture". Politico. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  11. ^ Bock, Pauline (7 October 2020). "Why did it take so long to form Belgium's new 'Vivaldi' coalition?". Euronews. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  12. ^ Emiel Lamberts (1 January 1997). Christian Democracy in the European Union, 1945/1995: Proceedings of the Leuven Colloquium, 15-18 November 1995. Leuven University Press. p. 65. ISBN 978-90-6186-808-8. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  13. ^ Daniele Caramani (29 March 2004). The Nationalization of Politics: The Formation of National Electorates and Party Systems in Western Europe. Cambridge University Press. p. 308. ISBN 978-0-521-53520-5. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  14. ^ "Waar staat CD&V voor?" (in Dutch). VRT NWS. 2024-04-15.
  15. ^ "CKris Peeters vertrekt naar Europese Investeringsbank". De Standaard (in Dutch). 8 October 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2021.

References

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  • Th. Luykx and M. Platel, Politieke geschiedenis van België, 2 vol., Kluwer, 1985
  • W. Dewachter, Tussen staat en maatschappij, 1945–1995, christendemocratie in België, Tielt, 1995.
  • E. Witte, J. Craeybeckx en A. Meynen, Politieke geschiedenis van België, Standaard, 1997

Further reading

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  • Beke, Wouter (2004). Steven Van Hecke; Emmanuel Gerard (eds.). Living Apart Together: Christian Democracy in Belgium. Leuven University Press. pp. 133–158. ISBN 90-5867-377-4. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  • Lamberts, Emiel (2004). Michael Gehler; Wolfram Kaiser (eds.). The Zenith of Christian Democracy: The Christelijke Volkspartij/Parti Social Chrétien in Belgium. Routledge. pp. 59–73. ISBN 0-7146-5662-3. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
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