The liberal standpoint: individual freedom first
- Key principles: personal freedom and responsibility.
- Protection of human and civil rights.
- Free trade and competition as the driving force of progress, modernisation and increasing welfare.
- Capitalism works best if left alone.
- A strong state – but one that confines itself to the rule of law.
- Generous social security benefits make people lazy.
- Personal effort and success must pay – don’t tax income and profits too heavily
Slogan: “No risk, no freedom”.
The social democrat standpoint: equality first
- Key principles: equality, solidarity, social security.
- Protection of the weak, the poor, the less privileged.
- Unless it is controlled, capitalism will deepen the social divide. There is no alternative to capitalism, but its effects need to be controlled and corrected by political means.
- We need a system of social security to care for families, invalids, the sick, the old, the unem-ployed, and the poor.
- Solidarity means that the strong support those in need.
Slogan: “United we stand – divided we fall”.
The conservative standpoint: security first
- Key principles: security and stability.
- A strong state is important to protect the country from dangers and threats.
- A strong state rests on a modern, efficient economy.
- The deepening of the social divide should be avoided.
- The family needs special protection.
- Citizens should only ask for support if they cannot cope with their problems themselves.
Slogan: “A strong State in a healthy economy”.
The green standpoint: natural environment first
- Key principles: protection of the natural environment, responsibility for future generations.
- Our present way of life, geared to economic growth and fossil fuel consumption, is a serious threat to our future.
- International agreements are necessary to protect the environment on a global level.
- We carry responsibility for future generations, and for the whole planet.
- Small changes in our everyday lives can make a difference.
Slogan: “You can’t eat money”.