VVD leader Yeşilgöz criticizes opposition parties amid budget talks

VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz addressed party members on Saturday at the VVD congress in Den Bosch, where she emphasized the importance of liberalism in countering populism and criticized opposition parties amid ongoing budget negotiations in the Senate.

Yeşilgöz began her speech by asserting the strength of liberalism, calling it “the only answer to populism.” She told attendees at the Brabanthallen, “I am convinced that we liberals, through our drive, active approach, and great sense of responsibility, are the only answer to populism.”

The VVD leader also defended the coalition agreement with the populist PVV and other parties, such as NSC and BBB. Despite describing the collaboration as “not always easy,” she highlighted significant achievements within the coalition. “The framework agreement contains deals we as the VVD have never been able to make before. That’s how we deliver for our voters,” she stated.

Critics have suggested that the VVD paved the way for PVV’s recent electoral success by refusing to rule out collaboration with the far-right party. Yeşilgöz dismissed this idea. “You’re assigning me too much power. Voters have spoken, and that’s how democracy works,” she said.

She also rejected claims that working with the PVV bolsters the party’s influence. “I’ve always said: it doesn’t matter who you work with. We’ve never defined ourselves by the parties we collaborate with. Liberalism is too strong for that, and as VVD members, we are too self-assured.”

During her remarks, Yeşilgöz criticized several opposition parties, including the CDA and ChristenUnie, for failing to denounce the influence of “conservative religious groups” in politics. She also reiterated her controversial proposal to amend the constitutional article on freedom of education, which grants religious schools significant autonomy.

This suggestion has sparked backlash from Christian parties, particularly after Yeşilgöz recently declared that religion should not play a role in public life.

She directed further criticism at D66, referring to it as “that other liberal party.” Mocking their approach, she remarked, “I’m not like our D66 friends: on the one hand, on the other hand, let’s have another cappuccino while looking down on the world from my rooftop terrace. Better to be clear once than constantly hold back to avoid mistakes.”

Yeşilgöz also addressed left-wing parties, accusing them of clinging to outdated policies on migration and integration. “Denying the problem is no longer possible. Redefining the problem is no longer an option,” she said.

Despite her critiques, Yeşilgöz extended an invitation for cooperation to all opposition parties. She expressed gratitude to parties like CDA, ChristenUnie, and SGP for supporting recent budget measures, including alternatives to a VAT hike on culture, sports, and media.

Currently, these parties, along with D66 and JA21, are negotiating with the coalition on the education budget. The opposition bloc has threatened to block the budget in the Senate unless 1.3 billion euro in cuts is reversed.

“I want to find solutions together. I want to give and take, with all reasonableness and responsibility,” Yeşilgöz said.

The coalition, which lacks a Senate majority, has faced repeated challenges in pushing through its agenda. Prime Minister Dick Schoof recently called for a comprehensive agreement with opposition parties, describing it as a way to address recurring disputes. However, Yeşilgöz dismissed the idea as unrealistic, calling it “a sigh, not a workable option.”

Instead, she advocated for incremental collaboration, saying, “Step by step, we’ve always found solutions with the opposition.”