On 23 November, ALDE Party member D66 held its 120th party Congress in s’Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands. 

Party leader Rob Jetten addressed members in a keynote speech, underscoring the urgent need for European unity and hope-driven, inclusive leadership to confront global crises, from climate change to geopolitical tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East. 

“Europe now has the chance to shake off its naivety. To opt for true European cooperation, without ifs and buts. For climate action, for a strong economy and for a European armed force. A world adrift demands European unity right now,” said Jetten. 

"Democrats, we want to move our country forward. Against the cold political winds, which remind us every day why we are on earth. We will not let the future of our country be determined by populists. That future, we determine ourselves. Get to work, or get out of the way!” 

During the event, D66 members paid tribute to various political figures who ended their mandate, including former ALDE Party Vice-President Annelou van Egmond, Ministers in Mark Rutte’s last government, outgoing party chair Victor Everhardt, and former party leader Sigrid Kaag. Maartje Jansen was also re-elected as the party’s International Secretary.  

Kaag was also appointed as an honorary member of D66 and its executive board in recognition of her leadership, after ensuring the party’s joint-best electoral result in 2021 with 24 seats in the House of Representatives. 

Alexandra van Huffelen, the Netherlands’ former State Secretary for Finance and State Secretary for Kingdom Relations and Digitisation, was elected by members to replace Everhardt as D66 chair. 

“As party chair, you can expect me to be visible and approachable. I look forward to serving and strengthening our association. Our mission is to grow even bigger, focusing specifically on young people, women, people of colour and professionals,” she said in her opening speech. 

“D66 is more than a party: it is a family. A place where we work together on a better world, and where we debate with each other, go out on the streets and convince people.” 

Photo: Jeroen Mooijman