The Netherlands goes to the polls on November 22 to elect a new government. Staunchly pro-European Volt believes that all the big challenges facing the Netherlands – digitalisation, climate change, migration and security issues – should be solved at a European level. At the same time, the party says, the European decision-making process needs to be more efficient, and democratic.

Campaign leader: Laurens Dassen
Seats in parliament: 2 (was 3, one MP was expelled)
Young and pan-European, Volt has more than 30 representatives across Europe and broke through in the Netherlands in 2021. The party entered parliament with three MPs but Nilüfer Gündoğan was thrown out shortly afterwards following allegations of bullying and inappropriate behaviour, which she denied. Volt profiles itself as a party in favour of “radical” and systemic change, which it says can only be achieved in a federal Europe.  Website 

Main points from the manifesto:

• Legal migration routes to replace migration routes, Frontex under EU parliament control
• Focus on building middle-income and rent-controlled housing nationwide
• A fast transition from intensive farming to circular and nature-inclusive farming
• A ban on short-haul flights from 2030, focus on train network
• Up benefits and social minimum, childcare accessible to all parents
• Abolition of all allowances and premiums in favour of a new income tax system as a first step towards a universal basic income
• Voting age to go down to 16

Volt, according to its own analysis, would be most comfortable in a coalition with PvdA/GroenLinks, SP, and PvdD. The party is tipped to win three to five seats at the election, with a share of no more than 3% of the vote. It could have a minor role in a left-leaning coalition.