GroenLinks–PvdA targets “anti-democratic forces” in new principles draft

In a draft version of its new party principles, GroenLinks–PvdA takes a stand against what it calls “anti-democratic forces.” As before, the party sets itself apart from “far-right” movements, which it says seek to impose “a dark, own-people-first ideology” on society.

Back in June, the research bureaus of GroenLinks and PvdA released an initial draft of the party’s principles program. The new document published this Monday is broadly similar, but it now contains a reference to “anti-democratic forces” that was not present before.

“In a resilient democracy, everyone must be able to speak up and be heard,” the new draft reads. “That is all the more crucial now that the democratic rule of law is being challenged by anti-democratic forces.”

Just as in the previous draft, GroenLinks–PvdA places strong emphasis on the principle of solidarity. The party argues that “society thrives only when every individual is doing well,” and has now expanded this by describing solidarity as a “way of living.”

The manifesto further highlights core principles such as freedom, equality, and environmental protection, stating that the parties aim for “a just society where equality, a healthy planet, and freedom are a given.”

According to a spokesperson, members of both parties can submit their feedback on the principles until early January. Draft versions of the new statutes and the rules of procedure were also published on Monday, with a formal vote to take place at a later stage.

The parties’ merger had already won member approval in June 2025, with 89 percent of one party’s members and 88 percent of the other’s supporting the move.

The factions have been cooperating for quite some time in the national parliament, the provincial councils, and the European Parliament. The new principles manifesto is one step in the pathway toward formally merging into a single party in 2026.