By selling hope alongside progressive patriotism, the centrist D66 party widened its appeal and beat the far right
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rogressives often treat patriotism as radioactive. Flags and anthems are left to the populist right. But the centrist D66 party, which almost tripled its seats in this week’s Dutch election and looks set to form the next government in the Netherlands, has shown that another approach is possible.
Under the leadership of Rob Jetten, it used what we might call progressive patriotism – and voters responded. Five strategies defined that success. Politicians across Europe could learn a thing or two.
For years, the Dutch left has often sounded like a nagging parent – “can’t do”, “won’t do”, “impossible”. Jetten flipped the script. His message wasn’t: “The world is doomed, so we must stop everything from flying to eating meatballs or even having children.” Instead he told people: “This country can do so much better, so why not get going?”
