Elections in the Netherlands for the Tweede Kamer of Parliament

Introduction

The Dutch general election of 2002, held on May 15, 2002 was completely focused on the assassination of populist leader Pim Fortuyn, who questioned all forms of policies undertaken by the “purple cabinet” of Wim Kok. Issues were the stable of populist parties, most notably immigration policies, which were blamed for everything from crime to waiting lists in health services.

The great losers were PvdA, VVD and D66, the coalition parties of the “purple cabinet”. Especially the PvdA under the technocratic leadership of Ad Melkert suffered a humiliating defeat.

The CDA was the surprising winner of the election, gaining 14 seats (from 29 to 43) and becoming the largest party in the Tweede Kamer. This success is ascribed to its new leader Jan Peter Balkenende, who would become prime minister, and presented himself as a man of basic decency. The CDA became government coalition party again after eight years in opposition (1994-2002)

Another party making its debut in the Tweede Kamer was Leefbaar Nederland. There were other parties participating, but these did not get seats

National summary

Turnout: 79.1%

Parties

• Christian Democratic Appeal (Christen-Democratisch Appèl)
• Christian Union (ChristenUnie), merger of Reformatorian Political Federation and Reformed Political Alliance
• Democrats 66 (Democraten 66)
• Green Left (GroenLinks)
• Labour Party (Partij van de Arbeid)
• List Pim Fortuyn (Lijst Pim Fortuyn)
• Livable Netherlands (Leefbaar Nederland)
• People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (Volkspartij voor Vrijheid en Democratie)
• Political Reformed Party (Staatkundig Gereformeerde Partij)
• Socialist Party (Socialistische Partij)

Consequences

The election of May 15, 2002 was the beginning of a year of political chaos in the Netherlands as the inexperienced members of the LPF spent their time on public fights. The first Balkenende cabinet (CDA-LPF-VVD), which was inaugurated on July 22, 2002 fell on October 16, 2002. It was the shortest-ruling Dutch cabinet since the Second World War.