The Christian Democrats on Friday kicked off their election campaign with the publication of their draft manifesto for the September 12 vote.

The CDA, which is struggling in the opinion polls, aims to portray itself as the party for the family, with a focus on moral values.
The main measures in the manifesto, which has been branded with the slogan Iedereen (everyone), include the introduction of a universal 35% rate of income tax, limits to mortgage tax relief and the return of road pricing – abandoned as unworkable by the previous government.
Values
The party is also focusing on moral values, the Telegraaf points out. It wants a three-month salary maximum for banking bonuses and a more decent and respectful society. This includes ‘tougher measures’ to combat bad behaviour, pollution and road rage.
At the same time, the party pledges to do more to support families, partly by cutting the tax burden and expanding parental leave.
‘This is the story I am happy to take to the voters,’ party leader Sybrand van Haersma Buma told reporters at the presentation. ‘The CDA will be there for everyone.’
The manifesto still has to be ratified by the CDA conference at the end of this month.