Conservative Liberal party VVD focuses on the global economic arena – and partly leaves domestic concerns behind

The People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy is the first party to publish its draft election program ahead of the Dutch general elections on 29 October 2025. The conservative liberals head into the elections under the leadership of Dilan Yeşilgöz. Previously led by Mark Rutte, the VVD has long been a central force in Dutch politics. VVD was the third biggest party in the previous 2023 elections and has been a part of the last five consecutive coalitions. Remarkably, the VVD is currently the fourth‑largest party in the polls, trailing the Christian Democratic Party (CDA), the centre-right rival it has outperformed for more than two decades.

The draft election program presented by the VVD last Friday shows a shift in focus and priorities, driven by the current political agenda. Whereas in 2023 the party was strongly committed to national issues such as corporate social responsibility, the human touch in politics and the position of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in 2025 it intends to focus more on the international. Defense and “radical economic growth” are being given priority over issues such as migration and social security. The program therefore offers many points of reference for the private sector.

Freedom of enterprise above European red tape

The VVD’s program is largely concerned with economic strength, the business climate, and maintaining the Netherlands’ position as a leading country for key technologies. According to the party, companies such as ASML are not only large corporations, but also engines of employment for entire regions. The international perspective is accompanied by sharp criticism of European regulations. Whereas in 2023 the VVD still advocated equal European rules for corporate social responsibility to prevent Dutch companies from falling out of step with national regulations, the party is taking a tougher stance in 2025.

According to the VVD, the objectives of European regulations are generally good, but the body of rules, from the AI Act to the GDPR, CSRD, and CSDDD, would hinder innovation and weaken European competitiveness. In a world where other power blocs do not have such strict rules, the VVD is therefore calling for a change of course in Brussels: less regulation, more room for entrepreneurship, and a review of existing legislation to stimulate innovation and economic growth.

From social issues to economic expansion

What is perhaps more striking is what has disappeared from the draft program. Issues such as livelihood, which were firmly anchored in the VVD agenda in 2023, now mainly recur in the context of austerity and efficiency. The party wants to crack down on fraud, reduce bureaucracy, and take a critical look at spending on healthcare and social security, with the aim of cutting costs. However, there is no clarification of how livelihood will be guaranteed in a changing labor market.

SMEs also play a smaller role: they are mentioned less than half as often in the draft program as they were in 2023. This shifts the focus to large companies and international investors, with the explicit promise that SMEs and ordinary Dutch citizens will ultimately also benefit from this economic growth.

International ambitions, electoral uncertainty

The VVD’s strategic direction is clear: the party presents itself as the guardian of economic growth and (geopolitical) resilience. New trade agreements with countries such as Canada, South America, and South Asia are intended to reduce dependence on China and the US. The VVD wants to protect technological domestic gems such as the photonics sector at all costs. Energy policy is equated with security policy, and the party advocates relieving industry of national gold-plating of European regulations in order to enable them to compete better internationally.

However, this international focus has its risks. By placing a strong emphasis on the ‘big game’ in Brussels and on global markets, the VVD is leaving room for other parties to profile themselves on issues that are closer to home for many Dutch voters: healthcare, social security, and the downsides of globalization.

The VVD is betting that economic strength will prevail in the long term. Whether that will be enough in the current political climate remains to be seen, but it is clear that the VVD is once again positioning itself emphatically as a party for entrepreneurs.

Read the VVD’s full program here (only available in Dutch). Although the program is still subject to discussion at the party congress on 6 September, only limited amendments are expected. The VVD is likely to enter the 29 October elections based on these main points. For businesses, trade associations and civil society organisations, this is the time to assess how their interests align with or diverge from the VVD’s election agenda. In the run-up to and after the elections, there are opportunities to engage in dialogue. Even after the elections, this translation of interests remains essential: the eventual ‘winners’ will bring their priorities to the coalition negotiations and the coalition agreement. By identifying common ground and actively putting issues on the agenda, organisations can position their interests at an early stage.