The PES commends the PvdA-GroenLinks coalition led by Frans Timmermans for the strong election result, for standing for a more just and sustainable society, for the rule of law, for democracy, and for the European values during the campaign.
At the Dutch general election on Wednesday, the PvdA, a PES full-member party in alliance with the GroenLinks, took second place, gaining eight seats in compression to 2021.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“I congratulate Frans Timmermans and the PvdA-GroenLinks Alliance on their campaign and result. Progressives in the Netherlands have been the strongest voice defending democracy, fairness, and equality, standing for European values and against the far right.
We, social democrats, are the true guardians of open societies, where everyone belongs and has rights, and can make a living. Today more than ever, we must reconvey this message loud and clear to all Europeans.”
Furthermore, The PES is deeply worried about the victory of the far-right populist Geert Wilders and his Freedom Party (PVV) in the Dutch election. The anti-EU narrative of Wilders casts shadows of doubt on the ideas of the European Union, where The Netherlands is a founding member.
The progressive PvdA-GroenLinks coalition rejects all cooperation with the far-right and the PES strongly supports this position. We stand in solidarity with our friends in The Netherlands in their efforts to safeguard democracy and European values.
