The D66 party, led by Rob Yetten, presented its new election manifesto, Het kan wél (“Yes we can”), only at the beginning of September, and the changes in it in relation to the single-issue focus that the party had presented until then, focusing on the climate and Europe, were such that they de facto brought it to the forefront of the political life of the Netherlands, which was “tired” of the rhetoric and logic of the far right.
The shift in relation to the 2023 program was truly dramatic, as the main issues for the party were now democracy (and its defense), security and housing. As the 38-year-old leader of the party had characteristically stated during the presentation of the program, it reflects “the need to reconnect politics with the everyday life of citizens”.
The short campaign for these early elections saw the party promote a specific agenda, which has at its core the aim of solving real problems faced by the Dutch, regarding the issue of housing and the cost of living, but also includes issues that were until recently the privileged domain of the far right, such as security and immigration.
D66’s positions on the housing crisis and the economy
More specifically, a particular sensation was caused by the fact that the proposal to build ten new cities plays a central role in the program, with the aim of addressing the acute housing crisis. D66 proposed the gradual abolition of the tax exemption for mortgage loans, so that the revenues can be directed to reducing income tax. This move, as Jeten has emphasized, “will benefit everyone and will limit the overheating of the real estate market.”
In addition, the party appears to support the introduction of a single “basic personal income” for all citizens (internationally known as UBI), which aims to replace the complex system of benefits. This measure is accompanied by the intention to gradually abolish health and childcare benefits, as well as to slow down the increase in pensions by delinking them from the minimum wage — an option that, as D66 points out, “will keep the welfare state sustainable in the face of an aging population.”
Climate remains on the agenda
Although climate has dropped to fifth place in the party’s priorities, its program assures that the targets for 2030, 2040 and 2050 remain unchanged. Jetten has argued that “the ultimate goal remains a pollution-free Netherlands”, but this discussion should now be linked to the economy, energy and social cohesion.
Defense, security and immigration
Jetten and his party, however, appeared to approach issues that are traditionally the privileged domain of the far right positively. More specifically, regarding defense, D66 appears to support NATO’s goal of spending 3.5% of GDP, but on the condition that education and the welfare state are not affected, while at the same time, it aspires to make the Netherlands a leading power in Europe in the fields of artificial intelligence, drones, space and cybersecurity by 2030.
Regarding immigration policy, the party seems to have won the support of several voters due to its proposal for a radical revision of international treaties, including the 1951 Geneva Convention, in order to “move from immigration that happens to us, to immigration that we control.” On this issue, it envisages the adoption of the “Canadian model,” with asylum applications submitted outside European borders and entry into the country only upon invitation. Thus, according to the party’s program, “trafficking circuits will be limited and lives will be saved,” while “refugees will not risk their lives in a rotten boat.”
The party also made a significant “overture” to Wilders’ voters who want a connection between immigration and security issues, as it calls for a stricter stance against asylum seekers who “cause problems” and come from “safe countries.” For them, the party proposes closed structures, while at the same time strengthening integration programs for those who eventually receive a residence permit, with mandatory language courses and immediate access to work.
