Posted on 02/06/2008 1:51:35 PM PST by knighthawk
THE HAGUE, 07/02/08 - Independent MP Rita Verdonk is officially launching her political 'movement' Trots op Nederland (Proud of the Netherlands) on 3 April. She will lay out her principles at a meeting in Amsterdam.
Verdonk announced her movement last autumn after she was expelled from the conservative (VVD) party for persistent criticisms of VVD leader Mark Rutte. Little has been heard of Verdonk in recent months, and she does not have a party programme. Nonetheless, she has continued to score highly in the polls.
Proud of the Netherlands (TON) stood at 13 to 18 seats last week in the two major polls (Interview-NSS and Maurice de Hond). Both gave the VVD 15 seats. The Party for Freedom (PVV) of Geert Wilders - also an ex-VVD MP - stood at 15 and 13 seats respectively in the two polls. Verdonk is seen as more rightwing than the VVD and less rightwing than Wilders.
Verdonk is apparently opting for an American-style campaign. On 3 April, she will reveal her views at a meeting with artists, including jazz singer Rita Reijs. Those wishing to attend the 'event' must buy a ticket. Sales start on 15 February. On 14 April, Verdonk will start a tour of eleven towns.
Verdonk wants Trots op Nederland to be abbreviated as Trots op NL from now on. Last Sunday, she already presented a party logo, reminiscent of a sports club emblem. 'Trots op NL' appears on a shield with the colours of the Dutch flag (red, white and blue) and the national colour, orange.
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