ALDE Party member D66 marked their 60th anniversary at a party Congress in Nieuwegein, the Netherlands, where party leader Rob Jetten delivered a landmark speech as the first D66 Prime Minister.
This Congress came at a strategic moment to bring people together. Growing pressure from populist and Eurosceptic forces helped to shape Jetten’s message of optimism and cooperation, positioning liberalism as the antidote to division.
Declaring that “the optimists have won,” Jetten framed D66’s political project as one rooted in progress and confidence rather than fear. He argued that politics can work better, and that the Netherlands must once again take a leading role in Europe.
“Whether you're right-wing or left-wing, conservative or progressive, we're all on the same Team Netherlands. Now that the world order is under pressure, Europe must learn to speak with conviction and strength. Not as a bystander, but as a leader.”
Jetten remarked that D66’s historic campaign was strengthened through cooperation within the ALDE Party network, drawing on expertise and strategic exchange across Europe’s liberal family.
He declared that the Dutch government is back and ready to lead in Europe again. Amid a jubilant atmosphere, members reaffirmed their commitment to building progress for everyone in the Netherlands.
ALDE Party co-hosted a side event at the Congress, featuring panel discussions, break-out sessions and sharp debates with key liberal leaders. ALDE Party Vice-Presidents Rik Daems and Yevheniia Kravchuk contributed to sessions including “Turning the populist tide in Europe” and “Europe in a changing geopolitical world.”
The highlight of the Congress was Jetten’s first Congress speech as Prime Minister, where he outlined one clear goal:
“Achieving breakthroughs that will help our country move forward for everyone. And we'll do that with an ambitious government. A strong parliamentary group. And a party that's more vibrant than ever: with a record number of members and with another sold-out congress!”
He closed with a call to action:
“So let's not ask ourselves what a new politics can bring us. Let's ask ourselves how we ourselves can actively contribute to a new politics.”
The Netherlands is set to host its local elections on 18 March, with liberals hoping to continue this momentum at the ballot box.
Watch the speech below: