International Democrat Union: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

The International Democrat Union is an international grouping of conservative and Christian democratic parties. Headquartered in London, its members include:

• CDU/CSU (Germany)
• Conservative and Unionist Party (United Kingdom)
• Hannara (Grand National Party, Republic of Korea)
• Kuomintang (Republic of China on Taiwan)
• Liberal Party of Australia
• New Democracy of Greece
• New National Party (South Africa)
• New Zealand National Party
• Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, now the Conservative Party of Canada
• Republican Party (United States)
• Union pour un Mouvement Populaire of France

Formed in 1983, the IDU provides a forum in which political parties holding similar beliefs can come together and exchange views on matters of policy and organisational interest, so that they can learn from each other, act together, establish contacts and speak with one strong voice to promote democracy and centre-right policies around the globe. Founder Members of the IDU included Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Margaret Thatcher, then Vice President of the United States George H. W. Bush, Jacques Chirac - now President of France, Chancellor Helmut Kohl and many other party leaders.

The current chairman is Prime Minister of Australia John Howard.

The IDU has a number of regional organisations, as well as the International Young Democrat Union and International Women's Democrat Union.

See also: List of members of the International Democrat Union