In the Netherlands’ regional elections held on March 15, the BBB (BoerBurgerBeweging, Farmer-Citizen Movement) party emerged as the largest party in a significant political shake-up. The BBB leveraged protests against the leftist government’s environmental policies, which negatively impacted farmers’ livelihoods. If the exit polls are accurate, the BBB will have won 15 out of 75 Senate seats, outnumbering Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s ruling VVD party by 10. This victory is a significant setback for Rutte’s governing coalition and their aim to dramatically decrease nitrogen emissions on farms.
Founded by agricultural journalist Caroline van der Plas, the BBB argues that the nitrogen problem has been exaggerated and that the proposed solutions unfairly target farmers. The party’s victory in the regional elections gives them the power to veto the disputed nitrogen emission legislation in the Dutch Senate and control regional councils implementing state policy.
Eva Vlaardingerbroek, a Dutch conservative activist, describes this outcome as “amazing news.”
Excellent news from the Dutch elections to block the #WEF agenda. https://t.co/I0x7HTsIMz
— Wall Street Silver (@WallStreetSilv) March 19, 2023
However, it should be noted that the BBB’s success is not solely due to its pro-farmer stance. They have also targeted urban voters frustrated by construction limitations imposed by a controversial court decision regarding nitrogen emissions. Last year, a court ruled that a significant carbon-capture project must be halted as it did not meet European environmental guidelines. This decision had significant repercussions for construction projects across the country, delaying many with potentially negative consequences for the Dutch economy.
In 2021, the BBB won a single Lower House seat. Still, their popularity has multiplied due to public skepticism and anger over issues such as immigration. Rumors are now circulating that the BBB’s victory could lead to the early collapse of Rutte’s four-party ruling coalition. The incumbent government’s approval rating has dropped to its lowest point in 10 years, with 83% of Dutch citizens believing Rutte should resign as Prime Minister amid a scandalous report on natural-gas extraction in Groningen.
While the BBB’s unprecedented victory is cause for celebration among supporters, it does not guarantee that the farmers are in the clear. The party’s ability to secure policy changes will depend on its ability to navigate the complex political landscape and address various concerns raised by the public. However, their success in the regional elections is undoubtedly an essential step toward defending the interests of farmers and other disenfranchised groups in the Netherlands.
The BBB’s triumph demonstrates the power of grassroots movements to challenge established political structures and policies. Eva Vlaardingerbroek points out that the Dutch people see the BBB as the party to vote for if they support the farmers. The BBB’s growth reminds politicians that they cannot ignore the concerns of citizens, particularly those whose livelihoods are directly affected by government policies.
The BBB’s success in the regional elections is a testament to the power of grassroots movements and the need for political parties to address the concerns of all citizens, not just those aligned with their ideologies. Although the future remains uncertain, the BBB’s victory represents a significant step toward advocating for farmers and other disenfranchised groups in the Netherlands.
