Free Market Foundation Critiques DA’s Stance on Expropriation Act

The Free Market Foundation has condemned the Democratic Alliance for its inadequate opposition to the Expropriation Act, claiming that the DA has compromised its liberal values since joining the Government of National Unity. The party disputes these claims, asserting its legal challenges against the controversial legislation.

The Free Market Foundation (FMF) has criticized the Democratic Alliance (DA) for not opposing the new Expropriation Act as staunchly as it should. The FMF contends that the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) has led the DA to compromise its liberal principles, thereby betraying its constituents.

Martin van Staden, the FMF’s Head of Policy, stated that the DA ought to firmly oppose the Expropriation Act, which he believes has serious constitutional and moral flaws. Instead, he argues, the DA has chosen to focus on superficial aspects of the act in an attempt to reassure its supporters while maintaining its participation in the GNU.

In his assessment, Van Staden emphasized that liberalism requires the state to protect individual property rights rather than undermine them. He traced the DA’s historical roots in promoting liberal values but lamented that its current co-opting into the GNU has compromised these ideals, even if it has not fully aligned with the ideology of its coalition partner, the ANC.

Van Staden noted that former US President Donald Trump notably defended property rights in South Africa, pinpointing property confiscation as an infringement on human rights. He criticized the DA for reacting negatively to Trump’s stance instead of addressing the detrimental policies contributing to the decline of societies like Zimbabwe and Venezuela.

The FMF claims that the DA has been repeatedly informed of the constitutional issues surrounding the Expropriation Act. Van Staden posits that this situation represents a significant betrayal of both liberal values and the role of property rights in fostering freedom and prosperity.

In a response to the FMF’s statements, the DA refuted allegations of having betrayed its supporters or being co-opted by the ANC. National spokesperson Karabo Khakhau cited the DA’s legal challenge against the Expropriation Act as evidence of their commitment to opposing it.

Khakhau argued that the DA has fundamental objections to the Act, particularly highlighting concerns about potential abuse linked to expropriation without compensation. She conveyed that the DA aims to tackle the unconstitutionality of the Act through legal channels to safeguard property rights.

In conclusion, the Free Market Foundation has publicly criticized the Democratic Alliance for its insufficient opposition to the new Expropriation Act. The FMF asserts that the DA has strayed from its liberal roots due to its involvement in the GNU. The DA, however, defends its position, citing ongoing legal challenges against the Act as a demonstration of its commitment to property rights and constitutionalism.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com