Young people GroenLinks-PvdA call for: don't step into right-wing cabinet

The left has lost the election; it has not been this small since World War II. The youth organisations of GroenLinks-PvdA, DWARS and the Young Socialists, are hugely concerned about what this means for our future. For years under VVD cabinets, nothing has been done to solve the climate crisis and the housing crisis has been created. Now that D66 has become the biggest, we see and continuation of neoliberal policies, making the richest people richer and the poorest poorer, but with a progressive touch.

No cabinet without justice
Unfortunately, no (centre-left) cabinet will be formed in the coming period. It is possible that GroenLinks-PvdA will still join the government, but if the party wants to retain any credibility, it will be subject to very hard conditions. The climate goals must be achieved in a social way, the strongest shoulders must bear the heaviest burden. Real solidarity must be shown internationally, including by recognising Palestine and by reinvesting in development cooperation. There must be investment in social public housing, instead of building an expensive city somewhere on the IJsselmeer. “If there is no social change, GroenLinks-PvdA must draw its conclusions, and not join the government,” said Gijs Broere, chairman of DWARS.

The new generation
Landing in opposition again can feel frustrating for anyone who cannot wait for progress. But for now, what matters most is that GroenLinks-PvdA starts looking to the future. As Frans Timmermans said in his farewell speech, now is the time for the new generation. In this, DWARS and the JS see hope for the future. We can show in the time ahead what it means to be on the left. We can show what it means to want real change! “Not by surrendering ideals, but rather by standing firmly behind them, you show leadership!” said JS president, Boyd Angenent.