‘Absurdly expensive’
By Roel Schreinemachers · 3 minutes ago · Edited: 3 minutes ago
© ANPRTL
There are grumblings in the VVD about a significant contribution increase that should come into effect next year. If it continues, membership costs will increase by more than 25 percent to 150 euros per year. “Absurdly expensive,” members say. After internal criticism, the party board is now considering adjusting the plans.
The proposed contribution increase is a catch-up action. Costs did not increase for years. Regular members will pay 30 euros more per year. The entry fee for new members will increase from 25 to 36 euros. And the contribution for students and seniors will also increase by tens of percent.
Next Saturday, the VVD members will vote on the higher membership costs. Katwijk VVD faction leader Lennart van der Plas is very concerned about the plans. “For years, the VVD has been by far the most expensive party to join. In terms of membership, we have fallen to tenth place.”
Way too expensive
An appeal he made in a closed Facebook group resulted in a storm of responses. “In South Limburg we are losing members due to too high contributions,” writes one. “Simply far too high, especially for a popular party,” says another. “I think it is becoming far too expensive,” writes another.
The party leadership has also ‘received signals here and there’ that there is criticism of increasing the contribution, a spokesperson said. The party board is therefore considering adopting proposals from members who advocate freezing the entry fee and contributions for students and seniors.
Furthermore, the party board plans to embrace a motion calling for the creation of a committee that will set up a completely new contribution system next year. The party board is sticking to the proposed contribution increase for ordinary members.
Contribution per party
VVD members pay by far the most contributions, much more than members of other political parties. At other parties, membership costs vary from a few tens of euros to 80 euros per year.
"The Price of Politics: VVD Membership Costs Go Through the Roof (and We’re Not Talking About the EU)"
Ah, the VVD, the party of the Dutch people, where membership costs are so high, you’d think they’re trying to buy a second home in Amsterdam. I mean, who needs affordable politics when you can have a hefty price tag, right? The proposed contribution increase is a whopping 25% hike, taking the annual membership fee to a staggering 150 euros. That’s like buying a decent bottle of wine every month, but without the pleasure of getting drunk and forgetting about politics.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, "Jimmy, what’s the big deal? It’s just 30 euros more per year." Well, my friends, it’s not just about the money; it’s about the principle. I mean, who do these politicians think they are, charging us an arm and a leg to join their exclusive club? It’s like they’re trying to make us feel like we’re part of some elite group, when in reality, we’re just a bunch of ordinary people who want to make our voices heard.
And don’t even get me started on the entry fee for new members. A whopping 36 euros! That’s like buying a ticket to a mediocre music festival, but without the pleasure of listening to some half-baked DJ spinning the same old tunes. I mean, what’s next? A VIP section for party members who pay an extra 50 euros?
But, of course, the party leadership is "considering" adjusting the plans. Oh, how generous of them! I’m sure they’ll take all our concerns into account and come up with a solution that benefits everyone… except the poor souls who have to pay the membership fees, that is.
Now, I’m not one to stir up controversy, but I think it’s time someone asked the question: "Is the VVD worth it?" I mean, what do you get for your hard-earned cash? A membership card, a newsletter, and the occasional pat on the back from a politician who’s only interested in your wallet? No, thank you!
And let’s not forget, the VVD is already the most expensive party to join. I mean, what’s the point of being a member if you’re just going to be fleeced for every penny you’ve got? It’s like they’re trying to make us feel like we’re part of some exclusive club, but without the benefits.
But hey, at least the party board is "sticking to" the proposed contribution increase for ordinary members. Because, you know, the poor souls who can barely afford to join the party in the first place need to be milked for every penny they’ve got.
Contribution per party: A tale of two extremes
| Party | Contribution |
|---|---|
| VVD | 118 euros (150 euros from 2025) |
| CDA | 80 euro |
| BBB | 66 euros |
| D66 | 66 euros |
| CU | 60 euro |
| PvdA | 50 euros |
| GroenLinks | 24 euros |
| NSC | 24 euro |
As you can see, the VVD is the clear winner in the "most expensive party to join" category. I mean, who needs competition when you can just charge people an arm and a leg and get away with it?
In conclusion, the VVD’s proposed contribution increase is a joke. It’s like they’re trying to make us feel like we’re part of some exclusive club, but without the benefits. I mean, what’s the point of being a member if you’re just going to be fleeced for every penny you’ve got? It’s time for the VVD to take a long, hard look at themselves and ask, "Is this really what we want to be known for?"
‘Outrageous’ Price Hike Sparks Backlash
By Roel Schreinemachers · 3 minutes ago · Edited: 3 minutes ago
Grumbling within the VVD party has intensified over a substantial membership fee increase set to take effect next year, which would see costs skyrocket by over 25% to a whopping 150 euros annually, prompting members to label the move “absurdly expensive.” Following intense internal opposition, the party board is now reassessing its plans.
The proposed fee hike is a long-overdue adjustment aimed at offsetting years of stagnant rate increases. Under the planned changes, regular members would face a 30-euro annual increase, while new members would see their entry fee balloon from 25 to 36 euros. Furthermore, students and seniors would also be subjected to substantial increases in their contributions, likely running into tens of percent.
Next Saturday, VVD members are scheduled to vote on the contentious fee hike. Katwijk VVD faction leader Lennart van der Plas expressed deep concerns about the move, emphasizing that the VVD has traditionally been the priciest party to join. “Unfortunately, our membership numbers have nosedived, relegating us to tenth place,” he lamented. His impassioned appeal on a private Facebook group triggered a chorus of disapproval from party faithful.
Exorbitant Fees Spark Widespread Outrage
“Our South Limburg chapter is hemorrhaging members due to astronomical contributions,” a VVD insider complained. Another party member chimed in, “It’s patently obvious that our fees are prohibitively expensive, especially given our populist platform.” A third contributor lamented, “The incessant price hikes are slowly but surely pricing us out of the market.”
A party spokesperson acknowledged receipt of scattered complaints regarding the proposed increase, prompting the party board to consider revising its stance. The board may adopt proposals calling for a freeze on entry fees and contributions for students and seniors, in a bid to mollify critics.
Moreover, the party board aims to table a motion requesting the creation of a special committee tasked with overhauling the contribution system entirely next year. However, the board remains resolute in its decision to push ahead with the planned fee hike for regular members.
Contribution Comparison Across the Party Spectrum
A recent snapshot of major Dutch parties reveals the VVD boasts the steepest contribution rate by a considerable margin, dwarfing those of its nearest competitors. Membership fees across the parties vary wildly, ranging from mere tens of euros to a maximum of 80 euros annually.
