The People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) faces internal pressure to reaffirm its liberal values and permanently reject the Party for Freedom (PVV) as a coalition partner. Critical members are considering motions at the upcoming party congress to address concerns about populism.

VVD leader Dilan Yesilgöz’s recent exclusion of the PVV as a coalition partner has seemingly quelled some criticism, but tensions remain. Yesilgöz’s opposition to the PVV stems from concerns about Geert Wilders’ leadership rather than the party’s anti-democratic views. She defends the possibility of cooperation with the radical right and agrees with the content of Wilders’ ten-point plan.

Meanwhile, Yesilgöz portrays GroenLinks-PvdA, a potential center-left coalition partner, negatively, accusing them of “left-wing radicalism” and denying the realities of migration and integration. She even echoed unfounded accusations of anti-Semitism within a section of the party. This polarization mirrors American politics, hindering cooperation and driving the VVD towards a more radical position.

Yesilgöz cites former leader Frits Bolkestein to justify her stance on migration, but critics argue she misinterprets his views. Bolkestein opposed collaboration with the PVV, was not anti-Islam, and acknowledged labor migration as part of the problem. The current VVD, however, works with Wilders, an Islamophobe, and avoids discussing labor migration.

While some, like Rotterdam councilor Erik Verweij and former leader Klaas Dijkhoff, are satisfied with the exclusion of the PVV, the VVD’s shift raises questions about its future direction. The party appears to have undergone a significant transformation without extensive debate.