The D66 party, under his leadership, presented its new election manifesto Het kan wél (“Yes we can”), just at the beginning of September and the changes in it in relation to the single-thematic nature presented by the party until then, focusing on the climate and Europe, were such that they brought it to the forefront of its “tired” of far-right rhetoric and logical political life.
The shift in relation to the 2023 program was truly dramatic, as now the key issues for the party were democracy (and its defence), security and housing. As the 38-year-old leader of the party had characteristically mentioned during the presentation of the program, this reflects “the need to reconnect politics with the everyday life of citizens”.
The short campaign for these snap elections saw the party push a specific agenda, which at its core aims to solve real problems facing the Dutch people in terms of housing and the cost of living, but also includes issues that have previously been the prerogative of the far-right, such as security and immigration.
D66 positions on housing crisis and economy
More specifically, it caused a special sensation that a central role in the program is played by the proposal for the construction of ten new cities, with the aim of dealing with the acute housing crisis. D66 proposed phasing out the mortgage tax break so the revenue could go towards reducing income tax. This move, as Yeten has emphasized, “will benefit everyone and limit the overheating of the real estate market.”
In addition, the party appears to support the introduction of a single “basic individual income” for all citizens (internationally also known as UBI), which aims to replace the complex system of benefits. The measure comes with an intention to phase out health and childcare benefits, as well as slow the rise of pensions by decoupling them from the minimum wage — an option which, as D66 points out, “will keep the welfare state sustainable in the face of an aging population”.
Climate remains on the agenda
Although the climate has dropped to fifth place in the party’s priorities, its program assures that the goals for 2030, 2040 and 2050 remain unchanged. Yetten has argued that “the ultimate goal remains a pollution-free Netherlands”, but this debate should now be linked to the economy, energy and social cohesion.
Defence, security and immigration
However, Yeten and his party appeared to have a positive approach to issues that are traditionally the privileged domain of the extreme right. More specifically with regard to defence, D66 appears to support NATO’s target 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 cyber security by 2030.
On immigration policy, the party appears to have won the support of several voters because of its proposal for a radical revision of international treaties, including the 1951 Geneva Convention, in order to “move from a migration that happens to us to one that we control.” In this regard, it envisages the adoption of the “Canadian model”, with the submission of asylum applications outside European borders and entry into the country only upon invitation. Thus, according to the party’s program, “trafficking circles will be limited and lives will be saved”, while “refugees will not risk their lives in a rotten boat”.
The party also made a major “opening” to Wilders’ voters who want a link between immigration and security issues, as it calls for a tougher stance on 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.
