Since the end of 2004 the Frisians are recognised as an official minority group within the Netherlands. Until now, not a lot results have been achieved: there have been some discussions about a ‘Frisian nationality’ and FRL-stickers, but furthermore it mainly seems to be an ‘empty box’ without any content. The province of Friesland is the territory of this recognised minority and therefore we officially have a special status, but in practice these minority rights have not been enforced yet. The Frisians will have to give this special status more content!

 

By enforcing the minority rights we could improve our socio-economic situation and enlarge our political power. The province has relatively little power compared to the national government in the Hague. Even the local governments have more authority than the provincial. We will come with suggestions to strengthen the position and political power of the province of Friesland.

 

The new political movement ‘deFriezen’ strives for a better future for Friesland and the Frisians. For a better future, Friesland needs more authority. Our ideal is to transform the province into a ‘land’ within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The position we’re striving for is comparable with the status of the Scottish parliament and the Welsh Assembly within the United Kingdom.

 

DeFriezen have participated in the elections of the ‘Provinciale Staten’, the provincial government of Friesland, which took place on March 7, 2007.