D66 Open to Coalition wiht GroenLinks-PvdA, but VVD Draws Firm Line
THE HAGUE – As the Netherlands navigates a perhaps protracted government formation process following recent elections, a clear divergence in coalition preferences is emerging among key voter bases. While supporters of D66 express openness to partnering with GroenLinks-PvdA, voters for the VVD deem that alliance a non-starter, signaling significant hurdles to building a stable governing majority.
This split underscores the complex political landscape following the vote, were no single party secured a decisive victory. The willingness of D66 voters to consider a left-leaning coalition partner contrasts sharply with the conservative base of the VVD, highlighting the challenges in bridging ideological divides to form a functional government. The outcome will determine the direction of Dutch policy on issues ranging from immigration and climate change to the economy and social welfare.
Recent polling reveals that D66 voters are more receptive to including GroenLinks-PvdA in a new cabinet. Conversely, VVD voters view a collaboration with the left-leaning bloc as unacceptable. “I don’t want to govern, not even with Timmermans,” stated one VVD voter, reflecting a sentiment widely held within the partyS base.
Despite a potential deadlock between the PVV and D66 in seat count, a majority of voters favor Rob Jetten (D66) over Geert Wilders (PVV) as prime minister.Polling indicates 60 percent prefer jetten, while 29 percent favor Wilders. Notably, even voters from right-leaning parties like the VVD and JA21 express a preference for Jetten, with one VVD voter commenting, “Jetten is still young and he doesn’t entirely appeal to me, but he’s still better than an unreliable and polarizing Geert Wilders.”
The majority of Dutch voters anticipate a lengthy government formation process, with only 20 percent believing a cabinet will be established before Christmas. D66 voters are the most optimistic, with 63 percent expecting a resolution by the year’s end. A significant 60 percent of voters prioritize a stable government over one that perfectly reflects their political views, a sentiment notably strong among D66 (86 percent), CDA (88 percent), VVD (64 percent), and GroenLinks-PvdA (62 percent) supporters. JA21 voters are divided, while PVV voters prioritize ideological alignment over stability.