I think it really depends on how you define the 'center' of politics. The context of the country is important as the center of NZ and the center of the US are two very different centers. It also depends on what you stand for as a party, and how you view issues from the center. Is the center purely a place of compromise or can it define itself with its own issues and policies it stands for? Personally I view the center as an often naturally conservative adjacent position as it often seems to be a place of compromise between progressive and Conservative politics which seems to benefit Conservative politics far more often.
Hi Henry, thanks for comments. I agree with you on national context matters. In this case I am talking squarely about New Zealand politics. I think it's an interesting question to ask whether the center would have its own sets of ideologies, and principals that go beyond the idea of a compromise between the left and right. I'd like to create a center that is about assessing what is realistic for government to solve (more right-wing ideas) with a focus on helping the vulnerable (left wing politics) more than the majority. That second part is what the left fails to do in my opinion, becase not only do they want government to solve most issues, but they want to cater to the most vulnerable AND the majority.
As a founding member of the SDP - Social Democratic Party in the UK during the 1980’s, I am all too aware of how difficult it is to get traction for a new party. General public recognition is the main problem. A well known group of faces helps. NZ also faces the problem of falling interest by younger people in civics, politics and social democracy. Little wonder when there is little difference between the two main parties. The shift towards more social justice rather than environmental policies by the Greens might be the route to activate younger people. From that might be the centrist party you advocate for. Best of luck, you will need it!
Hi Tony, thanks for reading and for your comment. I appreciate your perspective as somebody that has tried to build a political party. I have now stepped down from TOP, my Substack next week will be about why I joined and why I left. Keen to see what you think. What do you think about the center?
I think it really depends on how you define the 'center' of politics. The context of the country is important as the center of NZ and the center of the US are two very different centers. It also depends on what you stand for as a party, and how you view issues from the center. Is the center purely a place of compromise or can it define itself with its own issues and policies it stands for? Personally I view the center as an often naturally conservative adjacent position as it often seems to be a place of compromise between progressive and Conservative politics which seems to benefit Conservative politics far more often.
Hi Henry, thanks for comments. I agree with you on national context matters. In this case I am talking squarely about New Zealand politics. I think it's an interesting question to ask whether the center would have its own sets of ideologies, and principals that go beyond the idea of a compromise between the left and right. I'd like to create a center that is about assessing what is realistic for government to solve (more right-wing ideas) with a focus on helping the vulnerable (left wing politics) more than the majority. That second part is what the left fails to do in my opinion, becase not only do they want government to solve most issues, but they want to cater to the most vulnerable AND the majority.
As a founding member of the SDP - Social Democratic Party in the UK during the 1980’s, I am all too aware of how difficult it is to get traction for a new party. General public recognition is the main problem. A well known group of faces helps. NZ also faces the problem of falling interest by younger people in civics, politics and social democracy. Little wonder when there is little difference between the two main parties. The shift towards more social justice rather than environmental policies by the Greens might be the route to activate younger people. From that might be the centrist party you advocate for. Best of luck, you will need it!
Hi Tony, thanks for reading and for your comment. I appreciate your perspective as somebody that has tried to build a political party. I have now stepped down from TOP, my Substack next week will be about why I joined and why I left. Keen to see what you think. What do you think about the center?