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JA21 (Dutch: [ˌjaːʔeːnənˈtʋɪntəx]),[a] statutorily known as the Conservative Liberals (Dutch: Conservatieve Liberalen),[2] is a political party in the Netherlands. The party has been categorised as conservative liberal[14][15] and right-wing populist in its platform by political commentators.[16][17][18] JA21 was founded on 18 December 2020 by Joost Eerdmans and Annabel Nanninga after they left Forum for Democracy (FvD) on 26 November 2020 after disagreeing with the state of affairs in the FvD.[19] The party first participated in elections in the 2021 general election.[20]

Key Information

History

[edit]

Background

[edit]
Joost Eerdmans, co-founder and leader of the party
Annabel Nanninga, co-founder and leader in the Senate

In November 2020, there was a series of disputes within the Forum for Democracy (FvD) party following allegations of racism, antisemitism and homophobia against its youth wing the Jongerenorganisatie Forum voor Democratie (including glorification of Anders Breivik and Brenton Tarrant by members of the youth wing), as well as controversial statements made by party leader Thierry Baudet. These followed earlier controversies surrounding the youth-wing which had happened in April that year. The incidents prompted several candidates and members of the FvD to criticise what they saw as the party's slow and unwilling attitude to address the problem.[1][20][21] The conflict escalated and a number of prominent spokespeople of the FvD such as Joost Eerdmans, Annabel Nanninga, Nicki Pouw-Verweij and Eva Vlaardingerbroek resigned from the party in protest, with Pouw-Verweij arguing in an interview with De Telegraaf that Baudet and the FvD had become radicalized and more focused on conspiracy theories.[22]

Establishment

[edit]

After resigning from the FvD, Eerdmans and Nanninga announced they would start afresh with a new party to contest the 2021 Dutch general election. JA21 was officially founded on 18 December 2020 by Eerdmans and Nanninga who also recruited several former FvD members, staffers and representatives with Eerdmans serving as party leader.[23] Eerdmans had prior political experience having previously been a member of parliament for the Pim Fortuyn List and served as deputy mayor of Rotterdam. At its launch, JA21 described itself as a "proper" right-wing party aiming to fill the gap between the centre-right People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the more radical-right Party for Freedom (PVV).[20][24] In 2021, Eerdmans declared JA21 to be a "right-wing, no-nonsense party" of "common sense" that would appeal to those "for whom the VVD is too left-wing, the PVV too right-wing and the FvD too idiotic by now" and that JA21 would stick to the "original points" of the FvD.[25] Eerdmans furthermore stated that he wanted JA21 to inspire a return of Fortuynism to Dutch politics, which he defined as a decisive, no-nonsense and straightforward approach to decision making.[26]

According to Eerdmans, the name JA21 would not only refer to the first names of himself and Nanninga; it also stands for the 'Right Answer/Correct Answer' (het 'Juiste Antwoord') and 'Your Alternative' ('Jouw Alternatief').[27]

Rise of the party

[edit]

On 20 December 2020, ex-Forum for Democracy MEPs Derk Jan Eppink, Rob Roos and Rob Rooken announced that they had become members of JA21.[28] Two days later, the independent Senate group Fractie-Van Pareren – consisting of seven ex-Forum for Democracy senators – joined JA21, making it the fourth largest party in the Senate.[29][30]

On 16 January 2021, the provincial group of Forum for Democracy in North Brabant split, with three members leaving Forum for Democracy to form the JA21 parliamentary group in the Provincial Council of North Brabant.[31] As Forum for Democracy was part of the province's coalition government at the time of the split, the new JA21 parliamentary group immediately entered the coalition after talks with the other coalition members.[32] This marked the first time that JA21 entered a coalition with other parties.

During the 2021 Dutch general election in March, JA21 received 246,620 votes and elected three MPs to the House of Representatives. In the 2023 Dutch provincial elections, the party won 22 provincial seats enabling it to qualify for representation in the Senate.[33] In parliament, the party adopted as motion with the BBB on nitrogen and called for the relocation of asylum reception to partner countries outside the EU, following the Danish model.[34]

Splits and resurgence

[edit]

In 2023, there was some unrest within the party from members who complained of lack of internal democracy with some members complaining about Nanninga's position on the candidate list for the 2023 general election. As a result, the party lost two of its three MEPs and two of its three members of the House of Representatives who joined the Farmer–Citizen Movement. During the 2023 Dutch general election, JA21 retained one seat in parliament, leaving Eerdmans as its only representative.[35]

In the 2024 European Parliament election, JA21 received 40,570 votes or 0.65% of the total vote, failing to get any seats.[36]

Ahead of the 2025 Dutch general election, Eerdmans was once again nominated as lead candidate by the party board with Nanninga in second place. In August 2025, JA21 presented its candidate list for the election and revealed it would include former PVV State Secretary Ingrid Coenradie, New Social Contract MP Diederik Boomsma, Member of the European Parliament Michiel Hoogeveen, former Livable Rotterdam leader Marco Pastors, and Simon Fortuyn, brother of assassinated Dutch politician Pim Fortuyn.[37] The party saw an increase in support and strongest result in a general election with nine MPs elected.[38]

Ideology and policies

[edit]

In its platform, JA21 describes itself as both liberal and conservative with an emphasis on personal freedom, political transparency, and reliable government.[39] Initially, JA21 sought to emulate the original political platform of the Forum for Democracy party from which it split. Both political observers and the party's leadership have also referred to JA21 as being influenced by Fortuynism, the ideology espoused by assassinated Dutch politician Pim Fortuyn and his Pim Fortuyn List (LPF) party. Party leader Joost Eerdmans, himself a former LPF member of parliament, has claimed that he wants JA21 to help "Fortuyn's ideas return to the House of Representatives."[40]

In its founding manifesto, JA21 states that it stands for "less regulatory burden, tax relief, a strict immigration policy and support for the entrepreneurs who make our country great".[41] JA21 is strongly opposed to further integration within the European Union and the EU becoming a Federal Superstate. It wants to strengthen the Netherlands' autonomy by ending influence of the EU on domestic affairs by putting "Dutch interests first" and supporting the right to national self-determination.[41] It also supports a referendum on Dutch membership of the Eurozone, a revision of Dutch membership of EU treaties and the Schengen Agreement, and for the Netherlands to renegotiate its membership of the EU. JA21 is also opposed to the potential accession of Turkey to the European Union.[42] The party also wants to opt out of the EU asylum pact, regain full control over Dutch borders and expel illegal immigrants.[43] JA21 also opposes cuts to the police budget and calls for tougher prison sentences against those who attack emergency workers and repeatedly offend.[44] It also calls for compulsory measures for immigrants to learn Dutch, wants an end to foreign funding of mosques and Islamic schools, and states that people with dual nationality should be stripped of their Dutch citizenship if they join a foreign terrorist group.[45] The party also supports foreign investment and maintaining free trade agreements with other nations in order to stem flows of migration and wants good relations with the United Kingdom following Brexit.[46] JA21 also supports internet freedom and wants to protect the right to online privacy by preventing the government and big tech companies from mining personal data or breaching privacy laws. In terms of culture, the party has expressed opposition to modern architecture and supports restoring historic buildings to their original specifications. In 2022, JA21 campaigned against "de-colonisation" of Dutch history, instead arguing for the protection of national cultural heritage and for free museum admission for Dutch nationals.[47] JA21 is also strongly pro-Israel and following the outbreak of the Gaza war and attacks on Israel called for the expulsion from the Netherlands, or prosecution, of under Article 131 of the Dutch Criminal Code, of pro-Palestine activists, attacking them as "Hamas supporters".[48] The party opposes climate policies.[49]

Representation

[edit]

Members of the House of Representatives

[edit]
Further information: List of members of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands, 2023–present

Members of the Senate

[edit]
Further information: List of members of the Senate of the Netherlands, 2023–2027

Members of the States Provincial

[edit]
Province Seats
Drenthe Drenthe
Flevoland Flevoland
Friesland Friesland
North Brabant North Brabant
North Holland North Holland
Gelderland Gelderland
Overijssel Overijssel
Limburg (Netherlands) Limburg
South Holland South Holland
Zeeland Zeeland

Election results

[edit]

House of Representatives

[edit]
Election Lead candidate List Votes % Seats +/– Government
2021 Joost Eerdmans List 245,859 2.37 New Opposition
2023 List 71,345 0.68 Decrease 2 Opposition
2025 List 628,517 5.95 Increase 8 TBA

Senate

[edit]
Election List Votes Weight % Seats +/–
2023 List 24 8,289 4.63 New

European Parliament

[edit]
Election List Votes % Seats +/– EP Group
2024 List 40,570 0.65 New –

See also

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Notes

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

JA21

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from Grokipedia
JA21 (Dutch for "Your Right Answer 2021"), officially registered as the Conservative Liberals, is a Dutch conservative-liberal founded on 18 2020 by and following their exit from the amid that party's internal turmoil over radical statements and organizational failures. The party prioritizes national sovereignty, stringent controls on and asylum inflows—proposing offshore processing and treaty reforms—and resistance to expansive EU competencies, such as opposition to an EU army while favoring strengthening. It also promotes economic policies including tax reductions, regulatory simplification for businesses, and subsidy streamlining to foster prosperity. In the 2021 general election, JA21 secured 7 seats in the 150-seat (Tweede Kamer) with 5.1% of the vote, marking a strong debut, but its support declined to 1 seat in the 2023 election amid voter shifts toward other right-wing options. In the 2025 snap election on 29 October, JA21 secured 9 seats. The party holds 9 seats in the House of Representatives, maintains 2 seats in the (Eerste Kamer) and has representation in several provincial assemblies and water boards, reflecting localized strongholds in regions like . JA21's defining characteristic lies in its break from Forum for Democracy's flirtations with conspiracy narratives, aiming instead for rooted in empirical concerns over cultural preservation, public safety, and fiscal responsibility, though it has faced internal challenges including member departures over leadership side gigs. This rebound underscores its role in the fragmented Dutch right-wing spectrum.

History

Formation from Forum for Democracy Split (December 2020)

In November 2020, (FvD) faced a severe internal triggered by leaked internal communications from its , Jong Forum, which revealed members sharing antisemitic, racist, and Nazi-sympathizing content, including praise for and conspiracy theories about Jewish influence. Party leader Thierry Baudet's response, which included temporarily suspending but later reinstating the and defending some members, intensified divisions within the party, leading to widespread resignations among politicians and members who viewed the leadership as failing to decisively reject extremism. On November 26, 2020, three FvD senators—, , and Nicki Pouw-Verweij—resigned from the party, citing irreconcilable differences over Baudet's handling of the scandal and the party's shift toward fringe positions. They initially formed an independent in the Senate known as Fractie-Nanninga, preserving their seats while distancing from FvD's controversies. This departure was part of a broader exodus, with over 100 local and provincial FvD representatives also leaving amid the turmoil. JA21 was formally established on December 18, 2020, by Eerdmans and Nanninga as a new right-wing party, with the name serving as both "Het Juiste Antwoord 2021" (The Right Answer 2021) and an from the founders' initials. The party positioned itself as a conservative-liberal alternative to FvD, emphasizing , strict controls, and opposition to EU centralization without endorsing conspiracy-laden rhetoric or tolerating extremist elements. Eerdmans was appointed political leader, while Nanninga handled representation; shortly after, Pouw-Verweij joined but later exited due to internal disagreements. The formation attracted defectors from FvD and other right-leaning groups, aiming to consolidate moderate nationalist voters ahead of the 2021 general election.

Initial Organizational Development and 2021 Provincial Elections

JA21 was established on 18 December 2020 by and , both of whom had recently departed from Forum for Democratie amid internal controversies within that party. Registered with the Electoral Council under the legal name Conservatieve Liberalen, the new party quickly assembled an organizational framework suited to contest the impending national and provincial elections, including the recruitment of candidates and the formation of lists within the brief three-month window available. Several former Forum for Democratie members, including those from the and , joined JA21, bolstering its ranks with experienced personnel and providing a base of support drawn from voters alienated by Forum for Democratie's leadership scandals. The party's structure emphasized a members' association model, with the general members' assembly as its highest decision-making body, enabling rapid for campaign preparations. JA21 positioned itself as a conservative-liberal force advocating stricter controls, national , and fiscal restraint, distinguishing itself from Forum for Democratie by prioritizing stability and avoiding association with conspiracy-oriented elements that had plagued its predecessor. This foundational phase reflected pragmatic adaptation to the Dutch electoral timeline, leveraging and public disillusionment with established right-wing options to build momentum. In the provincial council elections conducted from 15 to 17 March 2021—held concurrently with the general election—JA21 achieved breakthrough representation despite its nascent status. The party garnered sufficient support in the provincial assemblies to secure 4 seats in the indirectly elected First Chamber (Senate), signaling effective capture of a portion of the fragmented right-wing electorate previously aligned with Forum for Democratie. This outcome underscored JA21's organizational efficacy in mobilizing voters across regions, with seats translating from provincial wins in key areas such as Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland, where Nanninga and Eerdmans respectively held prior affiliations.

Performance in 2023 General Election

In the Dutch general election held on November 22, 2023, JA21 obtained 71,345 votes, equivalent to 0.7% of the valid votes cast, securing one seat in the 150-seat House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer). This outcome was confirmed by the Electoral Council (Kiesraad) on December 1, 2023, amid an overall voter turnout of 77.7%. The party's sole seat marked a sharp decline from the three seats it had won in the 2021 general election, representing a loss of two seats and a drop in vote share of 1.7 percentage points. JA21's underwhelming performance was attributed to internal divisions within the party and intensified competition from other right-wing formations, particularly the (PVV), which surged to 37 seats with 23.5% of the vote, and the (NSC), which gained 20 seats with 12.9%. As a splinter group from the emphasizing conservative liberal positions, JA21 struggled to differentiate itself in a fragmented right-wing electoral space dominated by ' PVV, which capitalized on anti-immigration sentiments and dissatisfaction with the incumbent coalition. The election, triggered by the collapse of the in July 2023 over migration policy disputes, amplified these dynamics but did not favor JA21's moderate stance relative to more radical competitors.

Post-2023 Developments and 2025 Election Preparations

Following the November 2023 , in which JA21 secured seven seats in the , the party remained in opposition during the protracted cabinet formation process. Negotiations ultimately resulted in the Schoof cabinet, a coalition of the (PVV), People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), (NSC), and Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), being sworn in on July 2, 2024, without JA21's involvement. This exclusion positioned JA21 as a vocal critic of the coalition from the right, particularly on and fiscal restraint, though it cooperated on select issues like policy reductions. In the elections held on June 6, 2024, JA21 obtained 7.02% of the national vote, translating to two seats—an improvement from its prior zero representation and reflecting sustained support among voters prioritizing national sovereignty and EU skepticism. The party's MEPs, including Robert Jorritsma, aligned with the European Conservatives and Reformists group, emphasizing opposition to further EU integration and advocacy for stricter border controls. No significant internal leadership changes occurred during 2024, with maintaining his role as amid stable party cohesion. The Schoof cabinet's collapse in mid-2025, triggered by irreconcilable disputes over asylum policy tightening—particularly NSC's withdrawal—prompted Dick Schoof to call snap general elections for October 29, 2025. JA21 positioned itself to exploit this instability by releasing its election on August 21, 2025, titled "No taboos or ," which called for an "efficiency minister" to slash , a temporary halt to asylum inflows, mandatory deportation of rejected asylum seekers, and withdrawal from the EU's migration pact. The program also advocated , including for housing construction and opposition to net-zero mandates, framing these as essential for restoring Dutch sovereignty and prosperity. Pre-election polling as of early October 2025 showed JA21 gaining traction, projected at 5-7% support amid broader right-wing fragmentation, with the party targeting urban and rural voters disillusioned by the coalition's perceived compromises on migration. Eerdmans emphasized in debates a return to "" governance, criticizing the outgoing cabinet for failing to deliver on promised border security despite initial right-leaning rhetoric. JA21's campaign strategy focused on digital outreach and alliances with like-minded opposition figures, while avoiding formal pacts with PVV to preserve its distinct conservative-liberal identity.

Leadership and Organization

Founders and Current Leadership

JA21 was founded on 18 December 2020 by Joost Eerdmans and Annabel Nanninga, both of whom had previously been members of the Forum for Democracy party before splitting due to disagreements over internal party direction. Eerdmans, a former civil servant, broadcaster, and politician associated with the Pim Fortuyn List, co-initiated the party to advance conservative-liberal policies emphasizing national sovereignty and law and order. Nanninga, a journalist and former senator, contributed to the party's early platform focusing on anti-immigration stances and criticism of EU overreach. Joost Eerdmans has led JA21 as party leader (lijsttrekker) since its establishment, guiding the party through provincial elections, national parliamentary contests, and internal challenges. In 2023, the party experienced significant turmoil, including the departure of six members, among them representatives and Rob Rooken, who cited failures in democratization and leadership issues, particularly Nanninga's multiple professional roles. Despite these exits, Eerdmans maintained control and positioned JA21 for the 2023 general election, where it secured three seats in the . As of October 2025, ahead of the general election on 29 October, Eerdmans remains the party's lijsttrekker, with Nanninga listed as the second candidate for the House of Representatives. The leadership structure emphasizes Eerdmans' role in policy formulation and campaign strategy, supported by a slate including recent joiners like Diederik Boomsma, a defector from the New Social Contract party focused on asylum issues. This continuity under Eerdmans reflects the party's resilience amid factional disputes, prioritizing core ideological commitments over broader democratization efforts criticized by departing members.

Internal Structure and Key Personnel Changes

JA21 maintains a relatively flat organizational structure typical of smaller Dutch political parties, centered on its parliamentary factions and a limited executive board. The party's operations are primarily driven by its leaders and elected representatives, with serving as faction leader in the (Tweede Kamer) since the party's formation. In the (Eerste Kamer), has chaired the faction since June 13, 2023. The party lacks extensive formalized substructures beyond provincial and local factions, relying on a core group of national figures for policy and campaign coordination, as outlined on its official website. Significant personnel turbulence occurred in August 2023, when six prominent members—including two and four former provincial councilors—resigned in protest over Nanninga's accumulation of multiple paid roles, including her positions as senator, councilor, and columnist, which they argued distracted from party duties. The departures highlighted internal divisions regarding leadership accountability and resource allocation, exacerbating tensions from the party's origins in the split. Nanninga subsequently resigned from the city council on November 1, 2023, citing personal reasons but amid ongoing criticism. These exits contributed to JA21's reduced representation following the November 22, 2023, , where the party secured only one seat held by Eerdmans, down from three previously. Eerdmans consolidated , emphasizing party unity and policy focus in subsequent statements. No major structural reforms were announced, but the episode underscored the risks of personality-driven organization in nascent parties. In 2025, JA21 experienced a reversal with high-profile accessions ahead of the October 29 . On June 24, 2025, former PVV State Secretary Ingrid Coenradie defected to JA21, citing alignment on migration and policies, which propelled the party from 2% to 9% in polls. On August 15, 2025, NSC MP Diederik Boomsma joined, becoming the second defector and bolstering the party's intellectual and regional profile. These moves, under Eerdmans' direction, aimed to expand the faction without altering core internal hierarchies, positioning JA21 for potential leverage.

Ideology and Policy Positions

Core Ideological Foundations

JA21 identifies as a conservative-liberal party, rooted in a commitment to preserving Dutch culture, values, and national sovereignty while rejecting and supranational overreach. Its foundational principles emphasize practical, results-oriented governance that prioritizes the interests of the over outdated international obligations, such as modernizing the and the 1951 Refugee Convention to restore and . This approach stems from the party's origins in the split, where founders sought to refocus on uncompromised defense of against bureaucratic elitism and . At the core of JA21's is a robust that views unchecked as a threat to social cohesion and public resources, advocating for the immediate halt to asylum inflows in the , deportation of criminal migrants, and processing to safe third countries or regions of origin. The party promotes requirements, prioritizes Dutch identity in public life, and upholds as essential to countering what it terms "political correctness" stifling debate on integration failures. Economically, JA21 espouses through tax reductions, welfare simplification to discourage dependency, bureaucratic streamlining, and support for small family businesses and traditional industries against regulatory burdens. JA21's skepticism of the reflects a broader realist stance on , opposing federalist expansions like an EU army or deepened agricultural interference from , while endorsing as the primary security alliance. Law and order form another pillar, with calls for expanded police forces, harsher sentencing for and recidivists, and zero tolerance for linked to migration patterns. These tenets collectively aim to restore citizen confidence in institutions by addressing causal factors like demographic shifts and elite detachment, drawing implicit lineage from Fortuynist critiques of without the libertarian excesses of predecessor movements.

Immigration and National Sovereignty Policies

JA21 advocates for significant restrictions on , including asylum, labor, , and migration, modeled after Denmark's approach of processing claims in the region of origin or partner countries rather than in the . The party proposes adapting international treaties, such as the and the UN Refugee Convention, to restore national and enable stricter enforcement by 2027. This includes introducing border surveillance, imposing legal ceilings on migration inflows, prioritizing high-skilled workers, and halting and low-skilled labor migration. To address illegal immigration, JA21 calls for criminalizing unauthorized presence, accelerating deportations of undocumented migrants and those committing crimes, and applying sanctions like aid cuts to countries refusing to repatriate nationals. The party estimates uncontrolled migration costs the €24 billion annually and argues for an effective asylum stop within Dutch borders, redirecting processing to external hubs while enforcing the for returns. Integration requirements would be tightened, with benefits and citizenship tied to demonstrated self-sufficiency and . On national sovereignty, JA21 emphasizes regaining parliamentary authority over borders and migration decisions, opposing EU mechanisms that mandate migrant redistribution or override national vetoes. The party seeks coalitions with like-minded EU states to modernize treaties and block expansions like EU accession to the ECHR, which it views as eroding . Regarding the European Union, JA21 supports a slimmer, economically focused union without further political integration or sovereignty transfers, rejecting federalist steps like joint EU debts or a . It prioritizes preserving Dutch veto rights in the , completing the internal market for trade and capital, and enforcing fiscal discipline among members, while opposing EU enlargement to non-European states like . This stance aligns with broader calls for referendums on migration-related EU policies to ensure democratic oversight.

Economic and Fiscal Policies

JA21's economic policies emphasize reducing the size and scope of government intervention to foster , lower the tax burden, and prioritize over dependency. The party advocates for a facilitating role of the state, focusing on core functions such as , , and affordable while cutting and regulations that hinder activity. This approach aligns with their broader conservative-liberal , aiming to create a competitive environment through and fiscal simplification rather than expansive welfare or subsidies. In , JA21 proposes a drastic overhaul to simplify the system and reduce rates, arguing that complexity and high marginal taxes discourage work and investment. Key reforms include replacing income-dependent toeslagen (subsidies like housing and healthcare allowances) with transparent, universal toelagen; lowering taxes on labor to make more attractive; unifying at a single 20% rate (eliminating the current two-tier structure of 19% and 25.8%); abolishing Box 2 taxation on substantial interest for entrepreneurs; taxing Box 3 assets based on actual returns rather than deemed yields; and fully eliminating , gift, and business succession taxes. For , earlier proposals included a €20,000 and consolidation into one or two brackets to cap marginal rates below current peaks exceeding 49%, with exempting the first €1 million and applying 10% thereafter. These measures, per independent analysis, would disproportionately benefit higher-income and asset holders by reducing their effective burdens. Fiscal policy centers on restraining and enhancing efficiency to lower the overall load. JA21 calls for appointing a dedicated Minister for Government Efficiency to slash administrative burdens, limit expenditures to essential areas, and redirect windfall revenues toward relief or targeted investments like nuclear energy infrastructure rather than ad-hoc programs. Social security reforms promote work over benefits by ensuring earnings always exceed welfare payments, tightening eligibility, and requiring contributions from recipients (e.g., ); sick pay duration would shorten, particularly for small firms, to one year initially. The party opposes using es punitively for environmental or lifestyle goals, such as sustainable energy surcharges or high VAT on essentials, favoring market-driven solutions. On and labor markets, policies aim to ease regulatory hurdles and utilize domestic potential before relying on migration. includes faster permitting for energy projects, maintaining business succession relief, and introducing SME impact tests for new rules; incentives like expanded credits (WBSO, EIA) and affordable loans support innovation, especially for family-owned and small enterprises. Labor reforms simplify dismissal procedures, clarify criteria, offer free childcare to boost participation among parents and seniors, and align vocational training with market needs, while restricting low-skilled to prioritize high-skilled entrants and reduce suppression.

Foreign Policy, EU Skepticism, and Security

JA21 advocates a realist centered on promoting Dutch trade, safeguarding , and advancing national interests through strengthened transatlantic alliances with the , , and Latin American partners. The party supports bolstering ties with , including relocating the Dutch embassy to , and providing assistance to amid regional tensions. Regarding , JA21 endorses aid to secure its independence against Russian aggression but opposes granting it membership in or the . These positions reflect a prioritization of strategic partnerships over expansive multilateral commitments that could dilute Dutch . The party exhibits pronounced EU skepticism, favoring a slimmer union confined to economic cooperation rather than political integration or . JA21 calls for blocking further transfers to , preserving national veto rights in the , and subjecting major EU decisions to Dutch referenda to enhance democratic . It opposes EU enlargement, such as potential Turkish accession, and seeks to shrink the EU budget while rejecting joint European debt issuance, particularly for defense purposes. Although not advocating a full "Nexit," JA21 demands treaty revisions to limit the EU's scope and prevent it from overreaching into areas like migration redistribution, where it proposes external processing hubs instead. This stance critiques the current EU structure as inefficient and undemocratic, urging it to "learn to limit itself." On security and defense, JA21 emphasizes robust national capabilities aligned with obligations, rejecting an independent army or integrated European defense financing. The party proposes scaling up the Dutch armed forces to 200,000 personnel—including active duty, reservists, and civilians—by 2035, equipped with additional F-35 jets, drones, and other modern assets, alongside partial reintroduction of and improved service conditions. Defense spending should rise to meet and exceed , aiming for 3.5% of GDP on conventional forces plus 1.5% on cybersecurity by 2035, ensuring fulfillment of all alliance and domestic defense requirements. This approach underscores a commitment to deterrence through strength, prioritizing over supranational initiatives.

Electoral History

National Parliamentary Elections

JA21 first participated in national parliamentary elections for the (Tweede Kamer) in the 2021 general election, held from March 15 to 17, following the party's formation in December 2020. Led by co-founder as lijsttrekker, the party secured representation amid a fragmented field of 37 participating parties, where 17 obtained seats. The election saw a of approximately 77.9%, with JA21 emphasizing strict controls and opposition to EU centralization in its campaign. In the 2023 on November 22, prompted by the collapse of the over asylum policy disputes, JA21 experienced a significant decline. With Eerdmans again as lijsttrekker, the party competed against 26 others, but only 15 crossed the for seats. was around 76.9%, and JA21's reduced visibility contributed to its diminished performance, as right-wing votes consolidated toward the surging (PVV).
Election YearVotesVote PercentageSeats WonChange
2021246,6202.37%3 / 150New
202371,3450.68%1 / 150Decrease 2
The party's electoral base has shown volatility, with initial gains in 2021 reflecting disillusionment among voters from the splintered (FvD), but subsequent losses in 2023 highlighting challenges in retaining support amid competition from larger populist parties. Post-2023, JA21's parliamentary presence increased to three members through defections from other groups, though this did not stem from electoral success.

Senate and Provincial Elections

In the provincial states elections of 15 March 2023, JA21 garnered 4.4% of the national vote, equivalent to approximately 340,942 votes, enabling the party to secure seats in 11 of the Netherlands' 12 provinces. This marked the party's inaugural participation in such elections following its founding in December 2020, with performance varying by province but concentrated in more urbanized regions like and where anti-immigration sentiments aligned with JA21's platform. The newly elected provincial assemblies convened to elect the on 30 May 2023, using a system based on provincial population sizes. JA21, with as lead candidate, obtained 3 seats out of 75, achieving 3.9% of the weighted votes cast by provincial delegates. This result established JA21's first representation in the , where the party has since positioned itself as a critic of the ruling coalition's policies on migration and EU integration. The Senate seats were officially allocated on 1 June 2023 by the Kiesraad, with Nanninga leading the faction. No subsequent provincial or Senate elections have taken place as of October 2025, with the next scheduled for March 2027; JA21's current holdings remain at 3 seats amid stable provincial representation.

European Parliament Elections

JA21 first contested the elections in 2024, following its formation in December 2020 as a splinter from . The party selected Michiel Hoogeveen, a Member of the , as its lead candidate. JA21 campaigned on a platform emphasizing Dutch national interests, opposition to further integration, and stricter controls on migration within the European context, aligning with its broader EU-skeptical stance. In the elections held on 6 June 2024, JA21 received 0.65 percent of the valid votes nationwide, failing to secure any of the ' 31 seats in the . This outcome represented a limited electoral breakthrough for the party at the European level, where the effective threshold for a seat approximates 3.3 percent under the system. stood at 46.2 percent, with major gains going to parties like the (PVV) and GroenLinks-PvdA. Prior to the vote, polls had projected JA21 support between 1 and 3 percent, but the final result underscored challenges in mobilizing a distinct European electorate amid competition from larger right-wing parties.

Parliamentary Representation

Current Composition in House of Representatives

As of October 26, 2025, JA21 holds one seat in the (Tweede Kamer), comprising a one-member led by . Eerdmans, the party's founder and primary representative, has occupied this position since the party's electoral debut in the 2021 general election, where it initially secured two seats before losing one in subsequent adjustments, and maintained the single seat following the 2023 election results under the ' system. This minimal representation reflects JA21's niche positioning within the fragmented Dutch political landscape, where smaller parties often struggle to surpass the for multiple seats without broader alliances. The upcoming on October 29, 2025, will determine any changes to this composition.

Senate and Provincial Assembly Representation

JA21 holds three seats in the (Eerste Kamer), out of 75 total, as elected indirectly by the provincial assemblies on May 30, 2023, following the provincial elections of March 15, 2023. The party's senators include , Diederik Boomsma, and Hans Smolders, who represent JA21's positions on issues such as restriction and national in legislative deliberations. These seats reflect JA21's performance in the underlying provincial vote shares, which translated to proportional allocation under the Dutch electoral system. In the provincial assemblies (Provinciale Staten), JA21 secured a total of six seats across six provinces in the 2023 elections, each province granting one seat to the party. This limited representation underscores JA21's regional concentration in more urbanized or southern provinces, where voter support for its conservative-liberal platform proved sufficient to cross electoral thresholds but not to achieve broader dominance. The seats are distributed as follows:
ProvinceSeats
1
Limburg1
1
1
1
1
No representation was achieved in the remaining provinces: , , , , , or . These provincial roles involve oversight of regional policies on , environment, and , where JA21 members advocate for reduced regulatory burdens and opposition to expansive EU-influenced directives. As of October 2025, no changes to this composition have occurred, with the next provincial elections scheduled for 2027.

Reception and Impact

Political Achievements and Policy Influences

JA21, as a relatively small opposition party in the Dutch House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer), has achieved direct policy impacts primarily through the adoption of parliamentary motions rather than major legislation, given its limited seats—three following the 2021 election and six after 2023. These successes often center on , skepticism, and administrative . For example, on September 25, 2025, a motion submitted by Joost , urging the government to file criminal charges against civil servants leaking sensitive information that undermines , was adopted by the chamber. In the realm of European policy, JA21 influenced defense debates by opposing expansive EU initiatives. A motion by Eerdmans on March 5, 2025, calling for the Netherlands to abstain from participating in the European Commission's ReArm Europe plan—which would require wealthier member states to subsidize defense spending in weaker ones—secured broad support and was positioned for adoption, reflecting JA21's emphasis on national sovereignty over supranational burden-sharing. On broader policy influences, JA21's consistent advocacy for stringent immigration controls, including border enforcement and asylum restrictions, has contributed to a rightward shift in Dutch political discourse, aligning with measures implemented under the Schoof cabinet (2024–2025), such as the July 2024 temporary suspension of asylum processing amid capacity crises. While not in government, JA21's positions paralleled and reinforced those of partners like the PVV, amplifying pressure for reduced inflows—evidenced by the party's election programs that prioritize deportation of rejected asylum seekers and limits. JA21 has also co-supported cross-party initiatives on public safety and administrative efficiency, such as backing a VVD-led motion on September 18, 2025, during the Review (APB) debates, which called for government action on related issues. These efforts underscore the party's role in leveraging alliances to advance conservative-liberal priorities like law and order, though critics attribute limited systemic change to its outsider status and fragmented right-wing landscape.

Criticisms from Opponents and Media

Opponents from left-leaning parties such as GroenLinks-PvdA and D66, along with outlets, have frequently characterized JA21 as a radical-right or far-right party due to its stringent policies, including calls for a total asylum stop and for those with failed integration. described JA21's migration proposals, such as voluntary incentives, as aligning with "deportatieplannen" flagged by the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security for potential risks of based on race or belief. De Groene Amsterdammer criticized the party's advocacy for border closures and outsourcing asylum processing to as contradicting international standards. JA21 has faced accusations of misleading voters on details, particularly economic commitments submitted to the Centraal Planbureau (CPB) for ahead of the 2025 elections. BNNVARA's outlet claimed leader deceived supporters by promising a 20% corporate profits in campaign materials while submitting a 22% rate to the CPB, potentially adding billions in costs; similarly, pledges of €12 billion for housing and infrastructure were reduced to €500 million in CPB documents, and flight abolition was softened to merely opposing an increase. Eerdmans acknowledged some "exaggerations" but attributed discrepancies to financial spokesperson Michiel Hoogeveen. Critics have questioned JA21's commitment to liberal-democratic principles, with De Correspondent labeling it antidemocratic alongside parties like PVV and Forum voor Democratie for prioritizing —such as through binding referenda and directly elected mayors—over minority protections and political pluralism, while endorsing as an "extreemrechtse strijdkreet." The Dutch Bar Association's 2025 review found 30 of JA21's proposals, including migration measures, failed a rule-of-law test for potentially undermining and equality. De Groene Amsterdammer further accused the party of denying its radical-right origins from the Forum voor Democratie split, despite retaining disdainful rhetoric toward opponents and skepticism of issues like , which it dismisses as "klimaatonzin." JA21's public support surged upon its formation in December as a splinter from , capitalizing on dissatisfaction with established right-wing parties and achieving approximately 7% in pre-election polls by early 2021. However, post-election internal conflicts, including the departure of MPs Louis Weeweij and Nicki Pouw-Verweij in 2021 and further exits in 2022, eroded voter confidence and led to a rapid decline, with support dipping below 2% in aggregated polls by mid-2022 amid perceptions of instability. This dynamic reflected broader challenges for new populist parties in retaining cohesion without charismatic leadership unity. The 2023 general election highlighted the competitive pressures on JA21's base, as ' PVV consolidated anti-immigration sentiment, leaving JA21 with marginal support around 2-3% in pre-election surveys and limited parliamentary presence. Polling trends since then have shown modest stabilization, with the party maintaining a niche among conservative voters focused on strict migration controls and skepticism, though overshadowed by larger right-wing forces. Voter volatility in this segment, driven by economic discontent and government instability under the Schoof cabinet, contributed to fluctuations, including brief gains in mid- polls linking JA21 to broader right-wing momentum. As of October 2025, ahead of the snap general election, JA21 polls in the 3-5 range, down from parity with VVD and D66 (around 8-10 seats each) in a September Ipsos I&O survey, reflecting recent losses to resurgent centrist and PVV alternatives amid undecided voters (up to 50% in some estimates). Aggregators like PolitPro and QuirksMode indicate steady but low single-digit vote shares, underscoring persistent challenges in expanding beyond a core electorate despite targeted campaigning on policy and asylum restrictions.

References

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