vvd zoekt zichzelf terug met nieuw liberaal manifest
Den Haag, zaterdag, 13 juni 2026.
De vvd presenteert zaterdag in den haag een nieuw liberaal manifest. het is een stap naar meer eenheid binnen de partij na jaren van verdeeldheid. sinds mark ruttes vertrek in 2023 worstelt de partij met haar koers. het nieuwe document moet de verschillende vleugels verbinden. het manifest is korter en meer ideologisch dan het vorige uit 2005. jongerenorganisatie jovd schopt intussen al vooruit met radicale plannen, zoals het afbouwen van de aow tegen 2050. dat laat zien dat de discussie over de toekomst pas begint. de partij wil de meest innovatieve economie van de wereld worden, met ai als motor. de vraag blijft of het manifest helpt om burgers én leden mee te nemen.
new direction after rutte era
The VVD held its annual spring congress on Saturday, 13 June 2026, at the Fokker Terminal in The Hague [1]. The event marked a pivotal moment for the party since the departure of long-time leader Mark Rutte in 2023 [2]. His successor, Dilan Yesilgöz, now serves as party leader, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence [6]. The congress aimed to redefine the party’s identity amid internal tensions between progressive and classical liberal wings [2]. This shift comes after years of coalition governance and growing criticism over policy choices, particularly cooperation with the PVV since 2023 [2].
launch of the new liberal manifesto
At the congress, the VVD officially launched its new ideological guide titled the ‘New Liberal Story’ [1]. This replaces the previous 75-page document from 2005 with a leaner 27-page manifesto focused on core values rather than detailed policies [2]. The revision process began in late 2024 with a draft emphasizing tolerance and diversity [2]. However, amendments were made following debate, including a revised stance acknowledging that pluralism can cause friction if democratic values are rejected or social services excessively used [2]. The updated text aims to bridge divides within the party membership [1].
economic vision centered on innovation
Party leaders emphasized economic competitiveness during speeches at the congress. Yesilgöz stated that Europe is falling behind globally, comparing European efforts to playing checkers while others play chess [5]. She warned that entrepreneurs feel bogged down and may consider leaving the Netherlands [5]. Fracture leader Ruben Brekelmans echoed this, calling businesses the solution, not the problem [5]. The VVD’s ambition is to become the world’s most innovative economy by 2040, powered by artificial intelligence [5][2]. Brekelmans argued that embracing AI could create as many or more jobs than it displaces [2].
internal debates and youth initiatives
While the leadership seeks cohesion, younger members are pushing bolder ideas. The Youth Organisation Freedom Democrats (JOVD) released its own program titled ‘About a Liberal Netherlands in 2050’ on 11 June 2026 [2]. It includes controversial proposals such as abolishing mortgage interest deduction and ending the state pension (AOW) by 2050 [2]. These plans sparked discussion ahead of the congress [7]. JOVD chairman Friso van Gruijthuijsen noted that translating ideological differences into concrete policy choices would be crucial [2]. The generational gap highlights ongoing tension between pragmatic politics and transformative visions within liberalism [2].
policy motions adopted alongside the manifesto
Alongside the ideological reboot, several policy motions gained approval during the congress week. A proposal by MP Erik van der Maas to limit growth in the civil service was adopted [4]. Another motion by MP Arend Kisteman mandates free broadcasting of major sports events like the World Cup for businesses [4]. Legislation improving data sharing to combat healthcare fraud was also passed [4]. These measures reflect practical concerns around efficiency, fairness, and fiscal responsibility. They complement the broader philosophical framework introduced in the new manifesto [4].
security and societal values in focus
Security remained a key theme. Justice Minister David van Weel confirmed collaboration with Defence to maintain air raid sirens alongside digital alerts like NL-Alert [4]. He stressed that freedom is not self-evident in the face of hybrid threats [4]. Meanwhile, Minister Thierry Aartsen announced work on protecting children under 15 from commercial exploitation in online videos [4]. He linked integration to participation, stating language learning is essential for employment and independence [4]. These positions align with the party’s emphasis on personal responsibility and resilience in modern society [4].