The Dutch elections are approaching. Seemingly distant, yet closer to you than you realize. You may not be able to vote in the upcoming Dutch national elections, but the results will still affect your daily life. From housing and job policies to immigration and healthcare. Here’s everything you need to know, your quick guide to what’s at stake in the Dutch elections!
You may be thinking, “Elections? Again?” And you are right. The last elections were in November 2023, even though they usually happen every four years. The reason for these early elections is that the previous government fell after the PVV, the Netherlands’ largest party at the time, withdrew from the coalition. Wilders stated that he wanted a stricter asylum policy and demanded the other three leaders’ approval. When they refused to reopen the coalition agreement, he said he had no choice but to end the cooperation and withdrew his PVV ministers from the current cabinet. Doing this, he made it impossible for the cabinet to continue. That’s why, on October 26, new elections will be held once again.
Photo Credits: Ilse Terpstra
The three leading parties
This year again, the leading party is PVV, a right-wing populist party. In its election manifesto, the PVV focuses on limiting the number of asylum seekers by closing existing asylum centres (AZCs) and halting the construction of new ones. The party also proposes deploying the army for border control and stopping family reunification for refugees. According to the PVV, these measures would make the Netherlands more affordable and safer for Dutch citizens. Their campaign slogan, “This is your country,” reflects their emphasis on national identity and stricter border control.
The second leading party is CDA, a center-right political party emphasizing Christian democratic values, such as family, community, and social responsibility. Their manifesto focuses on “putting things in order,” investing in the economy of the future, and building an involved society. CDA aims to achieve this by tackling major challenges such as the housing shortage, investing in innovation and defense, and strengthening the foundations of the Dutch economy. The CDA’s campaign slogan, “A decent country,” reflects their commitment to stability, fairness, and social cohesion.
GroenLinks–PvdA, a center-left party, presents five promises centered on equality, sustainability, and solidarity. Their plans include solving the housing crisis by investing in affordable homes, combating the climate crisis through clean energy and strict regulation of those harming the environment, and ensuring fair wages and working conditions. GL–PvdA also emphasizes strong leadership that protects democracy and promotes international cooperation. Their campaign slogan, “Forward together!” reflects their vision of unity and progress for all citizens.
Voting system in the Netherlands
But how do the Dutch election system actually work? In the Netherlands people don’t vote directly for a prime minister, they vote for a party. Their vote counts toward a candidate on that party’s list. The more votes a party receives, the more seats it gets in parliament. There are 150 seats in total, so a party would need at least 76 seats to govern alone. Something that almost never happens. That’s why Dutch parties have to form a coalition, meaning several parties work together to create a majority. Negotiating this coalition can take weeks or even months, as parties must agree on shared plans and compromises before forming a new government.
Whether you can vote or not, the outcome of these elections will shape daily life in the Netherlands. From your rent and energy bill to how inclusive the country feels. Now you know who the three biggest parties are and what they stand for.
