The Christian Democratic Appeal (Dutch: Christen-Democratisch Appèl, CDA) is a Christian-democratic political party in the Netherlands founded in 1977, which participated in all but two governments since then. It was a merger from the Catholic People's Party, which was part of all cabinets since World War II, and the Anti Revolutionary Party and the Christian Historical Union.
The party suffered severe losses in the 2010 elections and, by halving their share, fell from the first to the fourth place. From 2010 to 2012 consequently, the CDA was a junior coalition partner in a right-wing minority cabinet with the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), supported in parliament by the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV). The CDA had 6 ministers in the first Rutte cabinet along with the 6 VVD cabinet ministers. Some senior offices were held. Sybrand van Haersma Buma leads the CDA in the House of Representatives and is the new Party leader since May 18, 2012.
Subsequently the CDA again lost a considerable amount of seats in the 2012 elections, resulting in a fifth place.
Read more about Christian Democratic Appeal: Ideology and Issues, Electorate
Famous quotes containing the words christian, democratic and/or appeal:
“I am a Christian according to my conscience in belief, ... in purpose and wish;Mnot of course by the orthodox standard. But I am content, and have a feeling of trust and safety.
The Machiavellian mind and the merchant mind are at one in their simple faith in the power of segmental division to rule all—in the dichotomy of power and morals and of money and morals.”
—Marshall McLuhan (1911–1980)
“In democratic ages men rarely sacrifice themselves for another, but they show a general compassion for all the human race. One never sees them inflict pointless suffering, and they are glad to relieve the sorrows of others when they can do so without much trouble to themselves. They are not disinterested, but they are gentle.”
—Alexis de Tocqueville (1805–1859)
“[The Republican Party] consists of those who, believing in the doctrine that mankind are capable of governing themselves and hating hereditary power as an insult to the reason and an outrage to the rights of men, are naturally offended at every public measure that does not appeal to the understanding and to the general interest of the community.”
—James Madison (1751–1836)