The Dutch left-wing parties, PvdA (Labour Party) and GroenLinks (GreenLeft), experienced significant setbacks in the 2021 parliamentary elections, prompting calls for unity and a potential merger. The election results highlighted the declining support for these parties and ignited a movement to consolidate left-wing forces in the Netherlands.

Following disappointing results in the March 2021 elections, where both PvdA and GroenLinks secured historically low seat counts, a group of party members initiated “RedGreen,” a movement advocating for a merger between the two parties. This initiative gained traction among younger members who felt that the left needed to unite to regain relevance and influence in Dutch politics. RedGreen aimed to foster closer cooperation between PvdA and GroenLinks by proposing joint motions and actions at party congresses.

RedGreen focused on grassroots activism, utilizing motions and congress statements to push for closer collaboration, culminating in a historic motion to participate in the Senate elections with a joint list. This strategy aimed to force the party leadership to take concrete steps toward unification. Despite initial resistance from some party leaders, the motion garnered significant support, particularly from younger members who saw it as a necessary step to revitalize the left.

The movement achieved a major milestone when both PvdA and GroenLinks agreed to form a joint list for the Senate elections, leading to electoral success and positioning them as a significant force in Dutch politics. This cooperation extended to the House of Representatives elections, where the unified left-wing parties presented a joint program and leader, further solidifying their position. Party leaders acknowledged the crucial role of RedGreen in driving these changes, highlighting their constant efforts to push for unity and ignite a renewed sense of purpose within the left-wing movement.