People's Party for Freedom and Democracy
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The People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (Dutch: Volkspartij voor Vrijheid en Democratie [ˈvɔl(ə)kspɑrˌtɛi voːr ˈvrɛiɦɛit ɛn deːmoːkra:ˈtsi], VVD) is a centre-right conservative-liberal political party in the Netherlands. The VVD promotes individual freedom, private enterprise, economic liberalism and pragmatic governance. Established in 1948 through the merger of the Freedom Party and the Committee for Liberal Reconstruction, the VVD has evolved into an influential force in Dutch politics, advocating for a market-oriented economy, fiscal discipline, and personal autonomy. The party combines classical liberal principles—such as free enterprise and limited government intervention—with socially progressive stances, positioning itself as a modern liberal movement within the European context. The VVD has played a key role in shaping Dutch policy, particularly in taxation, entrepreneurship, and European integration. It has led coalition governments and produced leaders such as Mark Rutte, who led the party from 2006 to 2023, and served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 2010 to 2024. Under Rutte’s leadership, the VVD steered the Netherlands through economic recovery following the global financial crisis, implemented structural reforms, and navigated debates on immigration, climate change, and international security. The party maintains a pro-European stance while emphasising national interests and responsible budgeting. Since 2023, the party leader has been Dilan Yeşilgöz, the former Minister of Justice and Security. The VVD remains a significant player in Dutch politics, balancing its liberal economic agenda with responses to challenges such as sustainability, housing shortages, and geopolitical uncertainty.