VVD Faces Internal Revolt Over Coalition Strategy
Yesilgöz’s Exclusion of Wilders Sparks Party Division
A deepening rift is fracturing the Dutch People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) as internal criticism mounts against leader **Dilan Yesilgöz**’s decision to rule out cooperation with **Geert Wilders**’ Party for Freedom (PVV). Senior party members fear a shift towards the left and potential alliance with parties like GroenLinks.
Growing Discontent Within the VVD
**Leon van Noort**, chairman of the VVD department in Barendrecht and a former alderman, expressed outrage at the move. “It is an insane choice of **Dilan Yesilgöz** to park the PVV and open the door for GroenLinks, part of which is downright anti-Semitic. This means the death blow for the VVD. Moreover, it is a thick middle finger to 25 percent of Dutch voters. How does she want to pursue right-wing liberal policy?”
The discontent isn’t isolated. **Bart Drenth**, former chairman of the VVD’s Thematic Network Culture and Media, and **Ferry van Wijnen**, a councilor in Zuidplas, echoed these concerns. **Van Wijnen** stated, “If the VVD continues to exclude the PVV and go into the sea with GroenLinks, I don’t know if this is still my party.”
According to recent polling data from Ipsos, approximately 38% of Dutch voters feel excluded by the current political maneuvering, highlighting the potential for widespread dissatisfaction. (Ipsos Netherlands)
Concerns Over Anti-Semitism and Coalition Direction
A key sticking point for many VVD members is the perceived anti-Semitism within parts of GroenLinks. **Van Noort** emphasized that a shift towards cooperation with that party would be unacceptable. “I am not going to commit to a party that rules with anti-Semites.”
He indicated he, and others, would leave the party if such a move occurred, particularly if the party expresses support for Israel at its congress next Saturday.
Even within the more centrist Classic Liberal (KL) group, there’s unease. While KL chairman **Reinier Geerligs** acknowledged the PVV’s shortcomings—“The PVV has run away, did not deliver and showed too little administrative power”—
he cautioned against outright exclusion, citing important issues like asylum migration.
Voter Anxiety and Potential Exodus
The potential for a coalition with the Labour Party (PvdA) and GroenLinks is fueling anxieties among VVD voters. **Martin Legué** fears that voting VVD now equates to supporting a left-leaning cabinet, calling the PVV exclusion “electoral suicide.”
**Anja Klijn**, a lifelong VVD voter, expressed deep concern, stating, “This is not the Netherlands in which I feel even longer at home and where I see my children and grandchildren grow up. I even encourage them to leave here.”
**Richard Thoben**, already planning to emigrate, saw the decision as confirmation that the Netherlands is on a downward trajectory. “Wilders has been weighed and found to be too light… But I’m gone, to Spain. I voted VVD all my adult life and am now done with it.”
A Glimmer of Support for Yesilgöz’s Strategy
**Sophie Reinders**, a 20-year-old VVD member, expressed satisfaction with the outline agreement but stressed the importance of implementation. She supports excluding the PVV and favors a coalition with the CDA, JA21, and D66, stating, “I don’t like rule with **Timmermans** either.”
**Hans Romijn**, while initially favoring collaboration with the PVV, now believes **Wilders** has lost credibility. However, he remains opposed to cooperating with GroenLinks due to their perceived anti-Semitic views.
Yesilgöz sluit PVV uit: ‘Geen basis voor samenwerking’ https://t.co/q9q9q9q9q9
— NU.nl (@nu_nl) November 15, 2023
Some VVD members are considering alternatives, such as JA21. **Stef Bekker** lamented the lack of right-leaning policies from the VVD, suggesting JA21 as a potential option.
The internal turmoil underscores a growing sense of displacement within the VVD, with many long-time members questioning the party’s direction. **Olaf Adam** summed up the sentiment, “I have no idea where to go with my voice now.”
