opposition party
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opposition party
A political party that is represented in parliament but is not part of the government and takes a critical stance toward it.
Die größte Oppositionspartei forderte den Rücktritt des Ministers.
The largest opposition party demanded the minister's resignation.
The word is composed of three parts: 'die Opposition' (the opposition), the linking '-s-', and 'die Partei' (the party). So it literally describes a party that belongs to the opposition.
Die stärkste Oppositionspartei hat die Regierung scharf kritisiert.
The strongest opposition party sharply criticized the government.
An 'Oppositionspartei' (opposition party) is often the subject of verbs that express a critical political action. Common verbs are 'kritisieren' (to criticize), 'fordern' (to demand), 'ablehnen' (to reject), and 'vorschlagen' (to propose).
Die Oppositionsparteien fordern eine sofortige Debatte über das Thema.
The opposition parties are demanding an immediate debate on the issue.
The word is almost always used in direct contrast to 'die Regierung' (the government) or 'die Regierungsparteien' (the governing parties). Its role is defined by the fact that it is not involved in holding power.
Während die Regierung das Gesetz verteidigte, lehnte die Oppositionspartei es strikt ab.
While the government defended the law, the opposition party strictly rejected it.
