Caroline van der Plas Criticizes Exclusion in Dutch Coalition Talks
The Hague, Thursday, 6 November 2025.
Caroline van der Plas highlights the risks of excluding parties from Dutch coalition negotiations, stressing the negative impact on innovation and democratic representation amid pressing national challenges.
Call for Inclusive Dialogue
Caroline van der Plas, leader of the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), has voiced strong concerns regarding the exclusion of certain political parties from Dutch coalition negotiations. In a letter addressed to Wouter Koolmees, the coalition negotiator, van der Plas warned that such exclusions send a negative signal about the Netherlands’ commitment to innovation and inclusivity. She argues that excluding parties like the Party for Freedom (PVV) and Forum for Democracy (FvD) undermines democratic principles and the electorate’s voice [1].
Impact on Innovation and Democracy
Van der Plas emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to tackle pressing national issues such as climate change and economic growth. Her critique underscores the potential drawbacks of a coalition that does not represent a broad spectrum of political views, potentially stifling innovative solutions to these challenges. The exclusionary practices in coalition talks could hinder the Netherlands’ ability to meet its ambitious sustainability and economic goals, which require innovative policies and broad political support [1][2].
Political Context and Consequences
The backdrop of van der Plas’s remarks is the recent Dutch general election held on 29 October 2025, which resulted in significant shifts in the political landscape. The BBB, despite its loss of three seats, remains vocal in advocating for the inclusion of diverse political voices in the coalition formation process. The election saw increased voter turnout and a fragmented result, complicating coalition negotiations and emphasizing the need for inclusive political discourse [3][4].
Future Prospects
As coalition negotiations continue, van der Plas and her party will likely maintain pressure on other political actors to adopt a more inclusive approach. The formation of a stable government is critical, and van der Plas’s insistence on inclusivity could play a crucial role in shaping the Netherlands’ political and economic future. Her advocacy for a coalition that embraces all voices reflects a broader call for democratic integrity and innovative governance [1][3].