Possible D66 victory sparks optimism among environmental groups

D66’s prospects for victory drew optimism from Dutch housing, climate, and environmental organizations on Thursday morning. “It looks like the Netherlands finally has its first climate prime minister in the Torentje,” said Greenpeace director Andy Palmen. “After years of decline, the Netherlands can move forward again and build a green and clean future.”

The Dutch Sustainable Energy Association (NVDE) said the new Tweede Kamer majority is fully aligned with achieving climate and energy goals. “Voters have decisively supported the energy transition,” the association said.

Natuurmonumenten emphasized that voters expect “solutions and stability” from politicians, particularly regarding persistent nitrogen crisis. Director Pim van der Feltz said, “It now depends on the will to do what is necessary. The Netherlands and its beautiful nature have suffered too long under political stagnation. Soft healers make stinking wounds.” The organization has proposed a plan with Bouwend Nederland, VNO-NCW, and Natuur & Milieu to reduce nitrogen emissions and unlock the country from the “nitrogen lock.”

Natuur & Milieu agreed, noting the electorate’s choice for parties pursuing climate goals and nitrogen mitigation. Director Marjolein Demmers said, “Voters have chosen a different politics. A party with strong plans for climate, nature, and a healthy living environment is the biggest winner,” referring to D66. “The problems are urgent: from nitrogen to PFAS, from harmful pesticides to polluted water. But solutions are ready. This outcome provides space to implement them finally.”

Milieudefensie described the election as a step toward a “climate cabinet." “It is up to D66 to make this happen,” said director Donald Pols. “A climate cabinet including parties from the green voting agreement and CDA is within reach. One thing is clear: the Netherlands cannot afford stagnation. We cannot wait.”

Agractie, representing farmers, highlighted the challenges for agriculture under the incoming government. “From D66, we have seen no perspective for farmers and rural areas so far. That is very concerning,” the group said. “For agriculture: all straps tight. The challenges are great, and farmers want to move forward. More restrictions, shrinkage, and longer stagnation are disastrous for the agricultural sector.”

Housing advocacy group Woonbond welcomed the preliminary results showing a majority for parties supporting housing investment. Director Zeno Winkels said, “A cabinet must quickly give housing corporations room and make rents affordable. Parties must now collaborate on robust and sound housing for lower- and middle-income residents.” He added that nearly all major parties agreed on the need to protect tenants from high rents.

The Woonbond also called for reductions or removal of corporate taxes for housing corporations to free tens of billions in investment, and for subsidies to support social housing construction.