The Netherlands is ready for progress. A society where everyone is assured a decent existence and can be themselves in freedom. Where we share what we have fairly and help each other in tough times. Where we leave a clean planet for our children and grandchildren. Where we defend our freedoms and keep the Netherlands and Europe safe.
Forces that sow division and feed distrust bring our society to a standstill, especially now we cannot afford that. Division weakens us; united we stand strong. The challenges we face are enormous. The Netherlands and Europe have not been this unsafe in decades.
The Netherlands deserves a broad leftist peoples party that brings people together rather than divides. Therefore, I am pleased that the party boards of GroenLinks and PvdA have decided to take a new step forward. We ask our members for support for the intention to join together in a new movement. A new house, where everyone from various socialist, social-democratic, green, and liberal traditions feels at home – true to our shared and distinctive sources.
Our members have the final word. I trust in a positive outcome because many of you, like me, fervently believe that we are stronger together.
Our backgrounds and traditions may differ; they make us who we are, and we will never let them go. They are the building blocks for our shared future. United we stand stronger. United we are much better able to bring about progress for the people we serve: everyone who believes that tomorrow can be better than today.
By Frans Timmermans – GroenLinks-PvdA leader and parliamentary group leader in the House of Representatives