Although the former PvdA councilor in Barendrecht, Rishma Roepram, voted against the “merger”, she speaks of a “historic decision”. “When so many members vote for it, it’s very persuasive,” he says. She therefore also hopes to be proven wrong in her doubts. I would like nothing more than for our parties – under the United Left or whatever denominator – to do very well. Holland deserves it.’
“The Netherlands deserves left-wing parties to do well”
She is supported by political scientist Julia Wouters, who was formerly a political assistant to former PvdA leader Lodewijk Asscher. “You’d rather we had 54 seats, but we’re not there yet,” Wouters says. “So the flag can’t come out yet, even though I had a lump in my throat when the result came.”
Pile
According to Wouters, the result certainly bodes well for the future of the left bloc. ‘Also because the turnout was high,’ he explains. “There’s actually no discussion about it anymore. Whatever you think, this decision will not be reversed, and that means something. This offers hope.’
However, he believes this is not “the only way” for the left to compete with the right. It’s more nuanced. “By connecting we show that something is possible, that we can change things and that together we can be strong enough to leave a mark on the country.”
Winner
He even dares to express an ambition to actually win the election. “That soon we will not be the second party, but also the first,” continues Wouters. ‘Then you’re in charge, you can set the tone and choose who to form a coalition with. That means something to the country – and if you have a red heart, it makes you happy.’
Though the red hearts are largely aligned, Roupram has doubts. He calls a merger an “organizational point of focus” and thus emphasizes the importance of a substantive story. According to her, this is still missing from the connection. “It doesn’t cover the concerns of many Dutch people.”
Paper fusion
According to Roepram, a substantial story will have to be worked hard in the coming period. Not only easy topics, but also on difficult topics like migration. “The government didn’t fall for it at all,” he underlines. ‘If you look at the previous parliamentary elections, you see that the parties have remained the same numerically. If you add them together, you are indeed bigger, but in reality we hope that one plus one equals three.’
And it is precisely with that substantial story that Roepram sees points of attention. “You can also see that voting is different locally than nationally,” he explains. ‘In the provinces you don’t have to look far for differences. Take Lelystad airport: PvdA members were in favor, GroenLinks was against. And those are very important decisions for the residents. (…). The fact is that courageous choices must be made to convince voters.’