Last weekend, D66 members gathered for their 122nd Congress in Den Bosch, the Netherlands. The event drew around 2,000 participants, making it the party’s largest-ever congress since its founding in 1966, and centred on finalising the party’s election programme ahead upcoming national elections on 29 October.
The congress opened with plenary debates on the draft electoral programme, followed by breakout sessions on housing, climate & environment, health, education and security. The event also touched on international affairs, including a session with former Minister and party leader Sigrid Kaag on developments in the Middle East.
Party leader Rob Jetten delivered a defining address titled “The real Netherlands belongs to the positive forces”, framing the upcoming election as a choice between democrats and anti-democrats, between unity and division, and positioned D66 as the beating, progressive heart of a potential new Dutch government.
“Democrats, the need for what our ideals and decisiveness can bring has rarely been so great. Therefore, I appeal to all of you. No one excluded. Because it's in the air. We're in a good flow. We can almost smell it: victory on October 29th. The victory that will allow us to put the Netherlands back on track.”
“I ask all of you: join us. Go all out. Take to the streets. Join the conversation, like I did. Even with people who may not always agree with us. Together we can make history. Together we can make our world better for us and our children; for now and the future. Together we will show: it is possible!”, he said.
You can watch his address in full (in Dutch) below or on YouTube.
Photo: D66