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SP (The Netherlands)

Socialistische Partij (Socialist Party)

by Jarig Bakker, 24 Apr 2003

Socialistische Partij
The SP's blue flag

See also:

Socialistische Partij

The Socialistische Partij (Socialist Party) is not to be confused with the "official" Labour Party in the Netherlands, that is the "Partij van de Arbeid". It started as a small radical left group in the 1970s, as one of many small political groups. Most of them have dwindled away, but the SP survived, as it was led by someone who knew where to get cash and how to cope with funds. Their stronghold is the small town of Oss in Noord-Brabant, but at present the SP is very popular all over the country
by its no-nonsense left stand in national politics, and by the charisma of its leader, Jan Marijnissen.
There is a big image of the flag at the party's website.
Jarig Bakker, 24 Apr 2003

What is the significance of the logo, which appears to be a thrown tomato in flight. It doesn't suggest a constructive program, to me :-)
Al Kirsch, 24 Apr 2003

Right! On a long (Dutch) history page it is explained, that in 1993 the daring slogan "Stem tegen, stem SP!" (vote against, vote SP) was conceived, which was symbolized by a thrown red tomato. In 2002 the slogan was changed into "Stem voor, Stem SP!" (vote for, vote SP), but the symbol remained the red tomato.
Jarig Bakker, 24 Apr 2003

The SP's blue flag

by Jarig Bakker, 25 Apr 2003

There seems to be also version with a blue background, see the party's website.
Didn't they used to have their name in a progressive, simplified spelling: "Socialistiese Partij"?
Mark Sensen, 24 Apr 2003

I think it was "Sosialistiese Partij", but it's not written on their history page. Someone explained that "lefties" were supposed to write that way. The SP was founded in 1972, and perhaps in their earliest pamphlets their "correct" name is mentioned...
Jarig Bakker, 25 Apr 2003