Last weekend, on 18 April, Dutch ALDE member D66 hosted its first online national congress, broadcast live on YouTube with over 1,000 viewers.

Due to the on-going pandemic, voting on resolutions was postponed to the party’s next congress, to be held in autumn 2020. Nevertheless, several interesting policy discussions were held via YouTube, and viewers could engage through the chat with speakers such as Deputy Prime Minister Wouter Koolmees, discussing cabinet actions during the crisis; former diplomat and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigrid Kaag, discussing the importance of international cooperation; and party leader Rob Jetten.

In his speech, Jetten mentioned that once safety is guaranteed for all people, there should be a “return to free society as quickly as possible”. He also underlined the impact and role of policy making in this crisis. "Politicians are now doing everything to save all lives and curb the spread of the virus, that is also our most important duty,” he said.

Jetten, who is also a member of parliament, called the cabinet to take responsibility when it comes to European solidarity and its crucial role as one of the core pillars of free society.

You can rewatch the congress here (in Dutch).

https://twitter.com/D66/status/1251775036945506304