The Free Market Foundation has condemned the Democratic Alliance for not opposing the new Expropriation Act strongly enough, claiming that involvement in the Government of National Unity led to a betrayal of liberal values. FMF’s Martin van Staden criticized the DA for failing to address serious constitutional issues within the Act while aligning itself with governmental narratives. Although the DA has challenged the Act legally, they are still criticized for not adequately representing liberal principles regarding property rights.
The Free Market Foundation (FMF) has criticized the Democratic Alliance (DA) for their approach to the new Expropriation Act, stating that their primary role should be one of unwavering opposition. With the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU), the FMF contends that the DA has compromised its principles and betrayed its liberal base. Martin van Staden, FMF’s Head of Policy, highlighted that the DA’s softened stance fails to address the Act’s serious constitutional and moral flaws while merely focusing on incidental matters.
Van Staden further emphasized that true liberal values require minimal state intervention to protect society from coercion against individuals and their property. He remarked on the historical evolution of liberal representation in South Africa, claiming that the DA, traditionally a proponent of liberalism, has now strayed from its foundational beliefs due to its participation in the GNU.
The FMF illustrated this ideological shift through the words of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who advocated strongly for property rights, suggesting that legislative changes in South Africa, including the Expropriation Act, pose a humanitarian threat similar to policies that have devastated countries like Zimbabwe and Venezuela. Van Staden criticized the DA for siding with media narratives against Trump instead of opposing the detrimental policies enacted by Parliament and President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The FMF’s statement urged the DA to reconsider its position, asserting that their reluctance to oppose the Expropriation Act adequately constitutes a significant betrayal of liberalism and property rights. The DA was expected to offer solutions but is instead perceived as complicit in undermining these ideals.
In summary, the Free Market Foundation has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Democratic Alliance’s response to the Expropriation Act, accusing the party of ideological compromise within the Government of National Unity. The FMF’s critique highlights a perceived failure to uphold liberal principles regarding property rights, illustrating the broader implications of such policies on society and governance in South Africa. The DA, while dissenting, has emphasized its ongoing legal challenges against the Expropriation Act.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
