D66 campaign leader Robert van Asten acknowledges being ‘a bit dizzy’ after his party’s election performance, while other parties analyze their strategies and results in the wake of the recent parliamentary elections.

D66, after experiencing significant losses in the 2023 elections, reassessed its approach and adopted a more positive narrative, with Rob Jetten shifting stance on migration and incorporating the Dutch flag prominently. Van Asten emphasized the need to adapt the party’s message and delivery to resonate with voters, moving away from an overly critical tone. The party’s slogan, ‘it is possible,’ aimed to project a forward-looking policy platform.

The CDA spin doctor, Bart van den Brink, framed the election outcome as a ‘comeback’ for the party, despite not securing the prime minister position. He identified the party’s shift in political style in the spring of 2024 as a key factor, leading to ‘courageous choices’ such as the ‘freedom contribution’ and phasing out mortgage interest relief. Van den Brink downplayed the impact of a controversial interview regarding the freedom of reformed schools, emphasizing the party’s overall strategic direction.

VVD campaign leader Silvio Erkens admitted to capitalizing on opportunities presented by other parties’ missteps, specifically mentioning the aforementioned CDA interview. He clarified that it was an opportunity to showcase the VVD’s own positions. Erkens commended Dilan Yesilgöz’s resilience and motivation throughout the campaign, acknowledging her strong comeback after facing criticism.

GroenLinks-PvdA campaign leader Laura Vissenberg attributed the party’s disappointing results to ‘strategic voting’ that favored D66. She defended the party’s stable campaign centered on solidarity and its vision for the country’s future, refuting suggestions of a flawed strategy. Vissenberg also respected Frans Timmermans’ decision to resign after the exit poll results.

D66 identified Wilders’ cancellation of a debate as a turning point, allowing Rob Jetten to participate and gain visibility. The party denied rumors of threatened legal action to secure an invitation to another debate. VVD’er Erkens noted that PVV leader Geert Wilders appeared to lack his usual ‘competition rhythm’ in his first debate appearance.

JA21 campaign leader Michiel Hoogeveen cited the inclusion of former PVV minister Ingrid Coenradie as a defining moment for his party. He also highlighted a television appearance where Coenradie played the piano as a key moment that demonstrated the party’s seriousness to voters. JA21 considers itself an indispensable part of the upcoming formation talks.