The Dutch election campaign is underway, marked by immediate friction between key political figures and ongoing speculation about potential coalition formations.

Dilan Yeşilgöz, leader of the VVD, and Frans Timmermans, leading the GroenLinks-PvdA alliance, have already engaged in pointed exchanges, setting the tone for a potentially divisive campaign.

At a recent VVD party conference, Yeşilgöz characterized the GroenLinks-PvdA alliance as elitist, drawing a sharp contrast between her party and her primary political rival.

Timmermans responded by accusing Yeşilgöz of misrepresenting the supporters of his GroenLinks-PvdA alliance, escalating the early tensions.

Despite the heated rhetoric, neither the VVD nor GroenLinks-PvdA has ruled out the possibility of forming a coalition government after the October 29 election. Both parties have, however, stated they will not partner with the PVV.

Current polling data indicates that both the VVD and GroenLinks-PvdA are projected to win around 25 seats each in the upcoming election.

This close projection suggests that both parties may be compelled to seek partnerships with other parties, such as the CDA, to secure a majority in the next cabinet.

Yeşilgöz’s pointed rhetoric against GroenLinks-PvdA is perceived by some as potentially complicating future reconciliation efforts, particularly given the VVD’s stated desire for “mature leadership.”

She also criticized Wilders as unreliable.

The VVD, NSC, and BBB are currently trying to implement their coalition agreement until the next cabinet. To do so, they will likely need the votes of GroenLinks-PvdA, particularly in the senate, which is expected to lead to public disagreements between the two parties.

Wilders is attempting to frame the election as a secretly planned partnership between Yeşilgöz and Timmermans, aiming to sow doubt and division among voters.

Critics suggest that the VVD’s employment of divisive rhetoric indicates a prioritization of avoiding vote losses to the right over the principles of responsible governance.

In a separate incident, Justice Minister David van Weel responded with mildness after a vigilante group established illegal checkpoints on the border with Germany, targeting individuals based on their skin color.

Wilders publicly praised the actions of the vigilante group, while the group’s leader was subsequently arrested for impersonating an official.

The overall political dynamic has been likened to the movie “When Harry Met Sally,” suggesting that a coalition between seemingly opposing parties may ultimately be inevitable.