The Netherlands ought to veto fewer choices in Brussels and enhance European Union integration, Dutch prime minister hopeful Rob Jetten stated.
“We wish to cease saying ‘no’ by default, and begin saying ‘sure’ to doing extra collectively,” he informed POLITICO in an interview through messaging app after the ultimate electoral debate Tuesday night time. “I can not stress sufficient how dire Europe’s state of affairs might be if we don’t combine additional,” he continued.
“The Netherlands is without doubt one of the founding international locations of the European Union,” Jetten identified forward of election day, Wednesday. “We’re pleased with that historical past, and now we wish to be a number one voice in shaping its future.”
Jetten’s Democrats 66 has seen a doubling in reputation, from 11 seats projected on the finish of September to reaching the identical degree as giants far-right Social gathering for Freedom (PVV) and GreenLeft-Labor this previous Tuesday night time, at 23 seats every — and forward of the Christian Democrats, who’re trailing at 19 seats.
The Netherlands has historically maintained a conservative stance on treaty reform and has opposed dropping unanimity amongst international locations as a requirement for some key choices, resembling letting new members into the bloc.
The Dutch, who’re recognized to punch above their weight in shaping debates, have additionally been historically frugal, and usually oppose joint EU borrowing.
Particularly within the final 12 months, when its authorities included a tinge of the Euroskeptic far proper, the Netherlands has saved Brussels at arm’s size, together with by asking for an opt-out on the bloc’s migration coverage — although it has remained in sync on different subjects, resembling sanctions for Israel and navy assist to Ukraine.
“I desire a return of the Netherlands to the function of kingmaker in Europe,” Jetten stated. “We used to play that function. And once we did, it was for the higher,” he added.
Europe should remodel itself right into a critical “democratic international energy,” Jetten continued. “Meaning giving the EU the ability and the sources to do what residents all throughout Europe are asking it to do: defend our territory in opposition to Putin’s aggression, develop the economic system, shield the local weather.”
Final authorities’s antithesis
Observers credit score Jetten’s optimism in an in any other case gloomy marketing campaign, centered on quarrels between the left and proper, as key to his last-minute success.
His participation within the well-liked Dutch TV contest “The Smartest Particular person,” the place he managed to finish up third, additionally helped make Jetten a extra seen character.
If he succeeds, Jetten can be the Netherlands’ youngest and first brazenly homosexual prime minister — standing in stark distinction to Dick Schoof, the 68-year-old ex-civil servant appointed by Wilders to steer the earlier (right-wing) authorities.
However Jetten dismisses any concentrate on identification politics. “I’m not the homosexual candidate, nor the younger candidate,” he stated. “Way more related is that voters are rejecting a failed experiment with the far proper. We misplaced time, our public funds worsened and nothing will get completed.”
“My celebration desires to infuse a renewed optimism into Dutch politics,” he confirmed.
The Netherlands was lengthy dominated by Mark Rutte’s Folks’s Social gathering for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) — the fiscally conservative pressure now led by Dilan Yeşilgöz. But when projections maintain, D66 and Rob Jetten might overtake the VVD, claiming the mantle of the nation’s main liberal celebration.
Requested about the potential of turning into prime minister, Jetten responded: “I stand prepared to steer if I’m given the possibility. It will be a privilege to have the assist and cooperation of different events. It’s our political custom.”
In relation to potential coalition companions, Jetten disregarded conventional political labels. “The entire left-right dialogue is outdated,” he stated. He would search to kind a pro-European authorities that invests in schooling, builds houses for everybody and ramps up local weather motion. “We’re able to work with all these democratic forces who wish to make that occur.”
Regardless of his celebration’s constructive trajectory, Dutch polls are recognized to be unpredictable, with many citizens not deciding till the final minute.
Gerardo Fortuna contributed reporting.