Federal Democratic Union of Switzerland
Encyclopedia
The Federal Democratic Union of Switzerland (Switzerland: Eidgenössisch-Demokratische Union, Union Démocratique Fédérale, Unione Democratica Federale) is a political party
in Switzerland
.
It was founded in 1975 as a split of the Evangelical People's Party
and the Nationale Aktion, and in 1991 it entered the Swiss National Council.
In May 2007 the party became a member of the European Christian Political Movement
(ECPM).
The EDU received 1.3% of the popular vote in the 2007 elections
, and retains a single seat in the Swiss National Council, held by Andreas Brönnimann, representing the canton of Berne
.
The EDU is socially conservative
, and eurosceptic
. The party opposes equal rights for homosexual couples and supports traditional families, Christian values and fiscal conservatism
. Furthermore, the party opposes abortion
, euthanasia
, and heroin clinics, and supported the Swiss minaret ban
.
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
in Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
.
It was founded in 1975 as a split of the Evangelical People's Party
Evangelical People's Party of Switzerland
The Evangelical People's Party of Switzerland is a political party in Switzerland.In questions of redistribution, education, environmentalism, immigration policy, the EVP stands rather center-left. In questions of euthanasia, abortion, and registered partnership and other typically Christian...
and the Nationale Aktion, and in 1991 it entered the Swiss National Council.
In May 2007 the party became a member of the European Christian Political Movement
European Christian Political Movement
The European Christian Political Movement, abbreviated to ECPM, is a political party at European level that unites national parties from across Europe that share Christian democratic politics. The member parties are generally more socially conservative and Eurosceptic than the European People's...
(ECPM).
The EDU received 1.3% of the popular vote in the 2007 elections
Swiss federal election, 2007
Elections to the Swiss Federal Assembly, the federal parliament of Switzerland, were held on Sunday, 21 October 2007. In a few cantons, a second round of the elections to the Council of States was held on 11 November, 18 November, and 25 November 2007...
, and retains a single seat in the Swiss National Council, held by Andreas Brönnimann, representing the canton of Berne
Canton of Berne
The Canton of Bern is the second largest of the 26 Swiss cantons by both surface area and population. Located in west-central Switzerland, it borders the Canton of Jura and the Canton of Solothurn to the north. To the west lie the Canton of Neuchâtel, the Canton of Fribourg and Vaud. To the south...
.
The EDU is socially conservative
Social conservatism
Social Conservatism is primarily a political, and usually morally influenced, ideology that focuses on the preservation of what are seen as traditional values. Social conservatism is a form of authoritarianism often associated with the position that the federal government should have a greater role...
, and eurosceptic
Euroscepticism
Euroscepticism is a general term used to describe criticism of the European Union , and opposition to the process of European integration, existing throughout the political spectrum. Traditionally, the main source of euroscepticism has been the notion that integration weakens the nation state...
. The party opposes equal rights for homosexual couples and supports traditional families, Christian values and fiscal conservatism
Fiscal conservatism
Fiscal conservatism is a political term used to describe a fiscal policy that advocates avoiding deficit spending. Fiscal conservatives often consider reduction of overall government spending and national debt as well as ensuring balanced budget of paramount importance...
. Furthermore, the party opposes abortion
Abortion
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced...
, euthanasia
Euthanasia
Euthanasia refers to the practice of intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering....
, and heroin clinics, and supported the Swiss minaret ban
Minaret controversy in Switzerland
The minaret controversy in Switzerland refers to construction of minarets, which has been subject to legal and political controversy in Switzerland during the 2000s and a Swiss referendum regarding this issue. In a November 2009 referendum, a constitutional amendment banning the construction of new...
.