The Netherlands goes to the polls on November 22 to elect a new government. Relative newcomer BBB won’t be the biggest party, but could have a crucial say in the formation of the next government.

Campaign leader: Caroline van der Plas
Seats in parliament: 4 (was one but one PVV MP and two from JA21 MPs have switched party)
Caroline van der Plas launched BBB on the back of the 2020 farmers’ protests and her star has been in the ascendant since then. The BBB was the biggest party in the spring provincial elections and has 16 seats in the senate, giving it a pivotal role in passing legislation.

Difficult to place politically, the party is opposed to strict climate measures, pro-farmer and pro-rural life. Van der Plas’s decision to appoint former CDA minister Mona Keijzer as her number two and prime ministerial candidate may not have done her any favours. Website

Main points from the manifesto

• Introduction of a 15,000 quota for refugees per year, stricter implementation of Dublin agreement
• Mayors should be elected, not appointed
• Parliament to meet twice a year outside The Hague
• MPs to have a free vote on ethical issues such as euthanasia and abortion
• Nuclear power to replace the surfeit of wind turbines and solar farms
• 130 kph maximum speed limits on the motorways again
• Increase in the minimum wage
• Tax hikes for the very rich, reform of the social benefit system
• Secondary school pupils should learn about running a household, finances and self care
• On limiting student numbers: German physics students in Twente are preferable to more Chinese psychology students in Amsterdam
  
• More housing to be built by cutting red tape,  bypassing nitrogen rules
• Priority for Dutch nationals in social housing
• The current nitrogen laws should be scrapped and replace by a quality control system and innovation to reduce emissions
• Rural transport services should be strengthened. Lelystad airport will not open to commercial aviation

The BBB is currently polling at between 6% and 9% or 10 to 14 seats in the 150 seat parliament – which could be key in forming a new coalition. Van der Plas has made it clear, for example, that Pieter Omtzigt’s NSC is her preferred coalition partner.

Previous summaries
BBB: Pieter Omtzigt goes for good governance