Timmermans’ exit follows two consecutive elections in which he couldn’t lead the joint green-socialist ticket to victory. In the November 2023 vote, right after he left his top job at the European Commission, his alliance won seats, but was beaten by the far-right PVV to first place.
Fans of the joint ticket had higher hopes this time, with enthusiasm building up at the large Maassilo venue in Rotterdam. The building was lit up in green and red colors, and attendees were served green and red shots to drink. But the buoyant mood didn’t last long.
While the GreenLeft-Labor ticket had emerged during the campaign as a progressive contender against the far-right PVV, Wednesday’s exit polls projected the party to come in fourth place, behind the liberals of D66, the PVV and the surprisingly strong liberal People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD).
Timmermans started off his concession speech by congratulating D66. “They remain a party that wants to shape this country progressively in a democratic way,” he said, of the party that is set to take pole position in forming a government.
His supporters remained with him till the bitter end. “I love you, Frans,” one audience member yelled, right as Timmermans was about to announce that “he would take his responsibility.”
Despite the disappointing result, GreenLeft-Labor party members in Rotterdam tried to focus on the projected loss of the far-right PVV, which is tracking to lose 12 seats compared to last elections according to the polls, as a positive — while sounding a warning to D66.
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Disclaimer: This news article has been republished exactly as it appeared on its original source, without any modification.
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Author: Pieter Haeck
Published on: 2025-10-30 01:07:00
Source: www.politico.eu
