VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz faces internal pressure regarding the party’s stance on Geert Wilders’ PVV and potential coalition partners. Members express concerns about the rise of populism and the need to defend liberal values, while others worry about being handed over to left-leaning parties.

The debate highlights a divide within the VVD, with some members strongly opposing cooperation with the PVV due to differences in values and concerns about the exploitation of hatred and division. These members urge the party leadership to clearly distance themselves from the PVV and defend democracy against autocracy.

However, another faction within the VVD expresses concern about excluding the PVV, fearing it will weaken their negotiating position and potentially lead to a coalition with parties like PvdA-GroenLinks. These members emphasize the importance of considering all options and prioritizing effective policy, even if it means working with unreliable partners.

Yesilgöz attempts to balance these competing views by distancing herself from the PVV while also criticizing the left-leaning PvdA-GroenLinks. She argues that Wilders has repeatedly abandoned the Netherlands in times of crisis and that cooperation with him is not a viable path to good policy. She also expresses concerns about the left’s “elitist politics” and perceived support for radical causes.

Despite Yesilgöz’s efforts to reassure the party, some members remain skeptical. Concerns linger about the future direction of the VVD and the potential for difficult negotiations with other parties after the upcoming elections.