Venstre (Denmark)

In the European Parliament it is grouped with the European Liberal, Democrat and Reform Party, and is a member of Liberal International.

Politically, Venstre is social-liberal. The current leader (AFR) is known for his authorship of the book "fra socialstat til minimalstat" (eng: From social state to minimal state), where he advocates an extensive reform of the danish welfare system, along classic liberalist lines, i.e. lower taxes, less government interference in corporate and individual matters etc.

Since the elections in 2001, Venstre has enacted a total "tax stop", to halt the unprecedented growth in taxes seen during the previous 8 years under the Social Democrats (Socialdemokratiet). This tax stop has been under heavy fire from the parties on the left wing of danish politics, allegedly for being "asocial" and "only for the rich".

It has, however, been ineffective, judging by Venstre's own intentions. The goal of the tax stop was to halt the growth of public expenditures (and hence, halt the growth of taxes), but even with their cuts in public spending (which is considered agressive by the aforementioned political left wing), public spending has continued to rise by approximately 1% above inflation, per year.

From 2004 and onwards, symbolic tax cuts go into effect, on two accounts:

First, people with jobs get a 3% tax reduction on the 5% "bottom tax" (da. Bundskat). This initiative is supposed to encourage people to go off welfare, and take jobs instead.

Second, the bottom limit of the "middle tax" (da: Mellemskat) of 6%, is raised by 12.000 kr every year, over the next 4 years. This will limit the income stresses of middle incomes and fimilies with children.

Venstre has so far refrained from making statements on the future of the "top tax" (da: Topskat) of 15%, and the VAT (da: "MOMS") of 25%.

See also: Politics of Denmark, List of political parties in Denmark, List of political parties.

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