Dilan Yesilgöz, leader of the VVD, has asserted that her party will not enter into a coalition with the PVV, even if Geert Wilders’s far-right party emerges as the largest following the general election in October.

Addressing a party congress in Nieuwegein, Yesilgöz received applause from delegates as she dismissed the possibility of sharing power with Wilders, stating, “Because Geert Wilders has shown that every vote for him is wasted.”

Yesilgöz had faced pressure from senior party figures to reinstate the cordon sanitaire around the PVV after Wilders withdrew from the coalition a couple of weeks prior to the congress.

The other three parties within the right-wing cabinet – VVD, NSC, and BBB – had rejected his demand to sign a commitment to advance a 10-point program of stricter asylum regulations, many of which were already incorporated into the coalition agreement.

Yesilgöz accused Wilders of abandoning the government at a time when “leadership” was essential. She stated that those who believe working with Wilders offers an opportunity to enact positive policies on migration, security, and freedom are mistaken.

However, Yesilgöz also dismissed the prospect of collaborating with the left-wing alliance of GroenLinks-PvdA, asserting that the party had been “dragged away from the centre” by its “radical left supporters”. She expressed concerns about their current stance, suggesting that they have become a party focused on raising taxes, deterring businesses, and expanding government.

While there was minimal dissent from the floor, Yesilgöz adjusted her tone slightly regarding Israel, acknowledging the increasing criticism within party ranks of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. She affirmed support for Israel’s right to exist and defend itself but expressed criticism of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s cabinet.

She clarified that the VVD opposes sanctions against Israel as a whole but did not dismiss the possibility of targeted measures against individual ministers who express extremist views. She also indicated that if the VVD participates in the next cabinet, it might need to make compromises with parties that adopt a more critical stance on Israel and Gaza. She cautioned against establishing rigid red lines before formation talks commence.