Guide to political parties

[updated 21 February 2009]

National government: CDA, PvdA and ChristenUnie.
Amsterdam government: PvdA and GroenLinks

PvdA (Partij van de Arbeid = Labour Party)

Social-Democrats. After having been on a non-ideological, Blairite course for years, the PvdA is now making some efforts to regain its ideological roots. Dominant in Amsterdam, thanks in part to the support from ethnic minorities. Absolute majority in the Geuzenveld, Bos en Lommer, Slotervaart and Zuidoost districts.

VVD (Volkspartij voor Vrijheid en Democratie = People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy)

Has both a liberal wing, headed by its Amsterdam Chapter, and a right-wing populist wing.

GroenLinks (GreenLeft)

Green party. Result of a merger in 1989 of the Communist Party, the Social-Pacifist Party and two progressive Christian parties. More emphasis on issues such as the environment than on socio-economic issues. Part of Amsterdam’s city government.

CDA (Christen-Democratisch Appèl = Christian-Democrat Appeal)

Has led rather right-wing governments during the past years, but is now making some efforts to reinvent its Christian social values. Not very strong in Amsterdam.

SP (Socialistische Partij = Socialist Party)

Has long ago distanced itself from its Maoist origins, to become a somewhat populist left-wing party. Judged by some to have conservative tendencies on issues such as integration and Europe. Very active members.

D66 (Democraten ’66 = Democrats ’66)

Founded in 1966 to promote democratic renewal - without much success. Has been part of right-wing governments during the past years, emphasising neo-liberal values. The party all but vanished, but has successfully reinvented itself as a voice for liberalism and one of Geert Wilders’ most important opponents.

AA/DG (Amsterdam Anders / De Groenen = Amsterdam Different / The Greens)

Inventive and self-willed party stressing individual freedom and environmental issues. Lost its representation on the city council by a handful of votes in 2006, but is still represented on a few district councils.

PvdD (Partij voor de Dieren = Party for the Animals)

Founded in 2002, this party won a seat in Parliament in 2006. Popular among well-known intellectuals and showbizz personalities. Not yet represented on the city council.

CU (ChristenUnie = Christian Union)

Small Christian party, progressive on socio-economic issues but quite conservative on issues such as abortion, euthanasia, prostitution and drugs. Traditionally supported by native Protestants, it is increasingly popular among members of immigrant Evangelical churches, evidenced by a seat on the Zuidoost district council.

PVV (Partij voor de Vrijheid = Freedom Party)

Founded by MP Geert Wilders, who seceded from the VVD because the party did not adopt his anti-Turkey stance. Provocative anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim and anti-establishment party. Has 9 seats in Parliament but none on the Amsterdam city council, although it has some support in Amsterdam Noord and West.

SGP (Staatkundig Gereformeerde Partij = National Reformed Party)

Conservative religious party. Pressurized by a court ruling prohibiting the government to subsidize the party because it discriminated against women, the SGP decided to admit women as full members in 2006, although political functions are still only open to men (the court ruling was overturned in an appeal). Not represented in Amsterdam.

TON (Trots op Nederland = Proud of the Netherlands)

Right-wing populist party founded by former VVD member Rita Verdonk. Unsuccessful at competing with Geert Wilders’ PVV.

City council elections March 2006

February 2009 poll results