Student organization says D66 win would ‘present new opportunities’ for education

Dutch education and student organizations are closely monitoring the outcome of the Tweede Kamer elections, where D66 has now taken the lead over the PVV by a narrow margin following updated vote counts from Amsterdam. Earlier, the PVV had held a slight advantage, but the new tally has put D66 ahead by nearly 15,000 votes.

Sarah Evink, chair of the National Student Organization (Interstedelijk Studenten Overleg, ISO), said that a D66 victory presents “new opportunities for students.” She highlighted D66 proposals for a higher basic student grant, mandatory internship compensation, and the reversal of higher education cuts implemented by the outgoing cabinet.

The National Student Union (Landelijke Studentenvakbond, LSVb) warned that it will closely monitor the formation of a new cabinet. “With the past years of stagnation and harsh cuts in mind, now is the moment to truly reverse the tide for students,” the organization said.

The union stressed that several parties, including D66, have promised to raise the basic student grant and abolish the binding study advice. LSVb chair Maaike Krom added, “We have not forgotten the long-study penalties and budget cuts, so if necessary, we will certainly protest again.”

Coba van der Veer, chair of the General Education Union (Algemene Onderwijsbond, AOb), said the union will carefully assess the education policies of D66 leader Rob Jetten if he becomes prime minister. “He has repeatedly stated during election debates that his cabinet will not cut spending on education. We are following him critically and will hold him to that promise. The cuts must be completely off the table,” Van der Veer said.