All right. It's that time again. Elections for the parliament of the Netherlands will take place on the 17th of March.
Here's a video that explains the electoral system decently well:
The big points: 150 seats in parliament, with a coalition of parties you'll need 75+ seats to form a majority government that will be very able to pass laws.
An overview of the latest polling results (error bars included)
I'll also add a short description of each party and what they stand for:
VVD (People's Party for Freedom and Democracy)
Has now been the leading governing party for 10 years now, all coalitions led by Prime Minister Mark Rutte. A very charismatic leader, who has been able to defuse many scandals from his party members. Traditional liberal focus. Very much a party for the businessman, though they have increased in popularity over the years (probably due to the increase in secularism).
PVV (Party for Freedom)
The party of long-standing parliament Geert Wilders. Generally right-wing, with some social policies sprinkled in. There is largely one focus: The view that the Netherlands should be de-Islamized and quick. Also very anti-EU and wants to close the borders. Very pro-Israel.
CDA (Christian Democratic Appeal)
One of the older parties, and one that has been part of the most coalitions. Traditionally Christian (though that has become a lighter focus over the years). Their audience is generally more rural, consisting of families and farmers.
D66 (Democrats '66)
Another party with a traditional liberal focus, though this one is more socially liberal and generally a bit more left-wing and progressive than the VVD. Popular with students and yups.
GL (Greenleft)
Pretty much what it says on the tin. Green and left-wing policies are their bread and butter. Popular with women and yups. Young higher educated couples often have the man voting D66 and the woman voting GL.
SP (Socialist Party)
It actually is socialist. Favour policies that distribute ownership of means of production. (IE nationalized railroads/electricity/infrastructure, forced issuing of profits as shares to employees, etc).
PvdA (Labour Party)
Used to be huge, now is a shell of what it once was due to having governed with the VVD and passing quite a few right-wing policies along the way. This was judged by their voters and now they're slowling crawling out of that hole again. Together with the CDA and VVD they form the core of Dutch politics.
CU (Christian Union)
A rarity in the USA, a party focused on Christian values, but more on the left wing. Very social policies, and follows the dogma of man being a steward of the earth, we do not own God's creation.
PvdD (Party for the Animals)
According to them they voice the unheard, the animals. Their primary focus is to end intensive animal farming practices, and become climate neutral. Also want to forbid religious slaughter.
50Plus (50 Plus)
Party founded by a boomer, for boomers. Their party programme is mostly left-wing and pretty progressive, but in practice their only focus is that the elderly need more money and they need it now.
Denk (Think)
Founded by muslims who defected from the PvdA. Mostly left-wing and progressive, but there are some links to Turkey that people find shady.
SGP (Reformed Political Party)
Very traditional and conservative Christians vote this. Large families, very socially conservative, go to church every week if not every day. Popular in the Bible Belt of the Netherlands.
FvD (Forum for Democracy)
New party founded by leader Thierry Baudet. Considered to be the alt-right party of the Netherlands. Had a few scandals involving both Baudet and its followers, the latest resulting in a split in the party, with a decent amount of those who left founding their own party.
JA21 (YES21)
Founded by those who left the FvD after a scandal involving nazist/anti-semitic messages in app-groups in the youth party. Economically right-wing, a mix of progressive and conservative social policies.
Volt (Volt)
An EU-wide party that is 100% in favour of moving towards a federal EU. Other than that, mostly left-wing and progressive.
Personally, I have not decided what to vote yet, the ones I'm considering are D66, PvdA and PvdD. Will have to look into their full party programmes and the other people on the lists, as I'm not that charmed by the leaders of any party.
If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask! I'll update this thread until the elections and a little bit after that.