Souverainism

Souverainism (from the French word ‘’souverainisme’’, i.e movement for sovereignty) is a doctrine which supports acquiring or preserving political independence of a nation or a region. It opposes federalism and approaches independentist movements.

Europe

In Europe, such political movements aim at ‘‘Europe of Nations’’, so that every country could see its independence and differences respected.

Supporters of the doctrine regard themselves as Eurorealists, opposed to the Eurofederalists, and call for confederal Europe. Souverainism is thus opposed to federalism, and some estimate that it involves sometimes nationalism, particularly in France where the parties lean on it (cf lists below).

Citation on "souverainisme": «The sole reasonable economic policy is the following: as for the foreign, to protect, and interior, set free. The unequal competition and suffocation by the taxes and charges are two faces of the same crisis. The socialism à la French and the Brussels globalisation combine their devastating effects. » - Philippe de Villiers - Le Figaro, February 16, 2006 (regarding Bolkestein Directive)

France

The "souverainism" doctrine is particularly influential in France, where numerous political movements adhere to it:

French souverainist movements:

* Mouvement pour la France (nationalist)
* Rassemblement pour la France (Gaullist)
* Arise the Republic (Gaullist)
* Mouvement Républicain et Citoyen (left-wing souverainist)
* Rassemblement démocrate (centrist and monarchist souverainist)
* Forum pour la France (souverainist)
* Action Francaise (monarchist)
* Nouvelle Action Royaliste (monarchist)

Movements close to souverainism:

* French Communist Party
* Attac

Nationalist movements:

*National Front
*National Republican Movement

Quebec

In the Canadian province of Quebec, "souverainisme" or sovereigntism refers to the Quebec sovereignty movement, which argues for Quebec to become sovereign and not remain part of the Canadian federation. Many leaders in the movement, notably René Lévesque, have preferred the terms "sovereignty" and "sovereigntist" over alternative labels of "independentist" and "separatist", although this terminology may be objected to by opponents.

See also

* Autonomism (political doctrine)