VVD, CDA, NSC, and JA21 leaders discuss possible coalition options at congresses

The VVD, CDA, NSC, and JA21 parties held their annual congresses on Saturday, with leaders outlining their positions and strategies ahead of the upcoming elections.

At the VVD congress, leader Dilan Yeşilgöz acknowledged past missteps, including a delayed apology to singer Douwe Bob over accusations of antisemitism at a party event. “It was a mistake that I corrected far too late; it could have been handled much better,” she said. She reiterated the party’s preference for a center-right coalition with BBB, JA21, and D66.

Polling data from the RTL Nieuwspanel shows stark contrasts in voter confidence. Only 41 percent of former VVD voters said they still trust Yeşilgöz, down from 78 percent in March. Just 11 percent believe she can unite people, and 20 percent see her as a strong leader.

Speaking at the CDA congress in Rotterdam, Henri Bontenbal framed his party as centrist. “We are not left, we are not right. We are Christian Democrats,” he said. He cited alignment with VVD and GroenLinks-PvdA on moderate population growth policies in the migration domain.

Asked about potential coalitions, Bontenbal declined to speculate on an ideal government. “But I do not see it happening quickly over left or right,” he said. He also reiterated openness to coalitions except with the PVV, noting, “I have already said that before. Personally, I only have experience working with VVD and D66 as a Member of Parliament.”

Bontenbal summarized several policy priorities from the CDA election program, including stricter asylum measures, climate policy at the European level, gradual reduction of mortgage interest deductions, and less government intervention.

NSC leader Eddy van Hijum described the party as entering a ‘new phase,’ emphasized continuity with Pieter Omtzigt’s principles, and highlighted new priorities, including greater focus on public safety and societal resilience.

According to RTL's poll, NSC leader Van Hijum also struggles with low recognition, with only 19 percent of NSC voters expressing moderate to high confidence in him, and 32 percent reporting they do not know enough to judge. In contrast, confidence in Bontenbal remains high, with 96 percent of 2023 CDA voters expressing trust in him.

JA21 leader Joost Eerdmans questioned whether a minority coalition proposed by Geert Wilders could provide political stability, warning it could perpetuate chaos. Speaking at a party members’ meeting in Utrecht, Eerdmans said a PVV-led minority cabinet would have few parties left willing to join. “Without JA21, the PVV has few parties left willing to join such a minority cabinet. Parties like the VVD and CDA have ruled out a coalition with the PVV,” he said.

He contrasted the minority approach with his own vision of a “stable, decisive center-right coalition.” Eerdmans also emphasized the importance of Pieter Bontenbal’s position, suggesting the key question is whether Bontenbal will pursue a right-leaning collaboration or “ride along on the electric bicycle with Frans Timmermans.”