Learn more about the Flemish Socialist Party. On this page you will find a brief introduction. For additional information, please contact our international secretariat.
Our party
The Socialist Party in Belgium was first established over a century ago. The political environment in which it operates has been transformed dramatically. Along with the transformation of the former unitary state of Belgium into a federalised country, the party split into two regional independent parties: the PS for the French speaking part of Belgium and the SP for the Dutch speaking citizens.
Through the course of time, the name of the party has changed four times. In 2001 the name was changed into sp.a. The exact meaning of the ‘a’ is difficult to translate but it could be compared to the renaming of the Labour Party into New Labour. With the addition of the ‘a’ the party transformed itself into a modern social democratic party. The baseline of the party, 'socialisten en progressieven anders', is a reference to the integration of socialists and other progressives in the party.
Our party has always been rooted in the communities that elect our representatives. We depend on our members not just for organization during elections, but also to fight as candidates, to campaign for our policies, to engage in society, and as a source of ideas and legitimacy. We are moreover an open party investing in new forms of participation in order to get more people – supporters and non-members – involved in the party and to strengthen our connection with broad-based organizations, grassroots movements.
The sp.a is a member of the Party of European Socialists (PES) and the Socialist International (SI).
Our organization
Our party has c. 55.000 members. Each member belongs to one of the 300 local party branches, which make up the basic units of the party organization. Party branches are represented at the annual Party Conference. The annual Party Conference takes place in October. The Congress is the highest decision making body.
Between conferences the highest power is vested in the National Committee. The National Committee is elected every four years and consists of c. 16 members. The members of the National Committee are appointed by the Party Conference.
The Party leader, who is directly elected by all the members, presides the National Committee. Caroline Gennez is the Party leader. A former president of our youth organization animo, she was elected in November 2007 the first female Party leader. At the age of 32 she is also the youngest Party leader ever. The Party leader is elected for four years, together with a deputy leader. The deputy leader is Dirk Van der Maelen.
The party counts many related organizations. Zij-kant (the Social Democratic Women’s organization), animo (the Social Democratic Youth), curieus (the Social and Cultural movement), to name a few, represent the variety in the social democratic movement. The sp.a also has good cooperation with the trade union movement.
Our values
The sp.a is an open, progressive and social party advocating equal respect and concern for all, and transforming Belgium into a social welfare state. Our enduring policy objectives include:
- equal opportunities for all
- social justice with a fair distribution of opportunities and wealth
- access for all to basic human needs like good healthcare, mobility, housing, education and a clean environment
- connecting people through strong communities
- building momentum for tolerance and inclusive participation
- international solidarity and sustainable development
- strengthening democracy and empowering all citizens in society