Members of the Dutch Labour Party (PvdA) and GreenLeft (GroenLinks) have overwhelmingly approved a merger, paving the way for a new left-wing political force in the Netherlands. Referendums held by both parties revealed strong support for the union, with 88 percent of PvdA members and 89 percent of GroenLinks members voting in favor.

The merger represents a historic moment for the Dutch left, which has struggled to maintain a strong presence in the political landscape. The two parties aim to create a unified left-wing people’s party capable of competing for power.

The formal merger process is expected to conclude in the spring of 2026 with a founding congress. The congress will address organizational issues, establish the party’s ideological foundations, and select a new name and party leader.

The alliance between GroenLinks and PvdA began to solidify after the 2021 parliamentary elections, where both parties experienced significant losses. In 2023, the parties merged their Senate factions and presented a joint list, leader, and election program in the recent parliamentary elections.

Historically, the left-wing vote in the Netherlands has been divided among multiple parties, including PvdA, SP, GroenLinks, and D66. The merger aims to consolidate the left’s strength and create a more unified political force. Past attempts at cooperation have seen limited success, with the Keerpunt ’72 alliance leading to the Den Uyl cabinet being a notable highlight.