Jonge Democraten (Netherlands)

The Jonge Democraten (in English: Young Democrats, commonly abbreviated to JD) is a social-liberal political youth organization. With over 3000 members, it is one of the largest political youth organizations in the Netherlands. Although politically independent, JD is affiliated with the social-liberal party D66. The organization was founded in 1984.

Jonge Democraten was founded on 11 May 1984 in Utrecht by a group of young activists and D66 members who felt there was a need for a distinct youth voice within the liberal-progressive movement. Although D66 had existed since 1966, it had not formally maintained a youth wing until JD’s establishment.

From the outset, JD chose to be politically and organizationally independent from D66, while maintaining strong ideological ties. This independence allows JD to adopt its own positions and criticize D66 policies if members feel they fall short of liberal principles.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, JD grew steadily, increasing its membership base and becoming a prominent voice in Dutch youth politics. During this period, JD played a significant role in shaping debates around European integration, civil liberties, and environmental policy.

Notable milestones include:

1992: Participation in mass protests against tuition fee increases, signaling JD’s commitment to accessible education.

2001: Advocacy for same-sex marriage legalization, which was successfully achieved in the Netherlands, the first country in the world to do so.

2005: Active involvement in campaigning during the Dutch referendum on the European Constitution, where JD campaigned in favor of European integration despite the national “No” vote.

2016: Campaigning for the Dutch “Yes” vote in the Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement referendum.

Over the years, JD has influenced D66 policy positions on issues like drug legalization, privacy and digital rights, climate change policy, and democratic reforms.

Jonge Democraten (JD) identifies as a social-liberal organization rooted in the conviction that individual freedom and personal responsibility thrive best in a society that guarantees equal opportunities for all. JD’s liberalism is based on the belief that every person should be free to shape their own life, provided this does not infringe upon the freedom of others.

Equality of Opportunity JD believes in breaking down barriers that limit individuals from realizing their potential. Education, access to healthcare, and fair economic chances are essential tools to ensure people are not constrained by their background, gender, sexuality, or socio-economic status.

Individual Freedom and Responsibility Personal freedom is a cornerstone of JD’s philosophy, including freedom of expression, freedom of belief, and bodily autonomy. Alongside freedom comes individual responsibility—to others, to the community, and to future generations.

Rule of Law and Democratic Institutions JD defends a strong, transparent, and democratic rule of law. Institutions must protect citizens against abuses of power and safeguard fundamental rights.

Human Rights and International Law JD firmly supports the universality of human rights and the primacy of international law. It believes the Netherlands and the European Union should actively promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law worldwide.

Open and Inclusive Society JD advocates for an open society where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is free to live authentically without fear of discrimination or exclusion.

Sustainability and Intergenerational Justice Liberalism demands responsibility for future generations. JD believes economic growth and sustainability must go hand in hand, with policies to combat climate change and preserve natural resources.

European Integration and International Cooperation JD considers European integration essential for peace, prosperity, and addressing global challenges. JD also values multilateral institutions as vital for international stability and cooperation.

JD’s liberal vision blends personal freedom with a commitment to ensuring fair opportunities for every individual, both in the Netherlands and globally.

JD has served as a training ground for numerous prominent figures in Dutch politics and public life, including:

Rob Jetten – Former JD president (2008–2009), later member and parliamentary leader for D66 in the House of Representatives, Minister for Climate & Energy (2022–2024), Deputy Prime Minister (Jan–Jul 2024), and since August 2023 Leader of D66

Wouter Koolmees - Former minister of social affairs, current director NS (national rail)

Jan Paternotte – Former JD President and member of the House of Representatives for D66.

Sjoerd Warmerdam – Former JD President and European policy advisor, former member of the House of Representatives.

Steven van Weyenberg - Former minister of Finance and former state secretary of infracstructure

Salima Belhaj – Former member of the House of Representatives, focusing on defense and infrastructure.

Boris van der Ham – Former MP and advocate for secularism and human rights.

JD has a national board, consisting of seven members. They are responsible for running the organisation. This includes organising events, encouraging political debate, generating political output and facilitating talent development.

There are nine regional branches: Amsterdam, Arnhem-Nijmegen, Brabant (Eindhoven, Tilburg, Breda), Friesland, Groningen, Leiden-Haaglanden (Leiden, Delft and The Hague), Rotterdam, Limburg and Utrecht. The branches each organise weekly meetings, ranging from guest lectures to discussions with speakers and from debates to drinks. Each branch has its own regional board.

Three times a year, JD organises a congress in combination with a General Assembly. The three different congresses during the year are:

Summer Congress — At the Summer Congress, a new board is elected and political motions are discussed. This congress runs from Friday afternoon until Sunday evening.

September Congress — At the September Congress, the outgoing board hands over control to the newly elected board. Only statutes and internal regulations changes, and organisational motions, are discussed here. This congress is usually shorter, taking only one day.

Winter Congress — The Winter Congress is mainly a political congress, where usually no elections take place. It typically lasts about 2.5 days.

The JD has a internal newspaper called the DEMO. At congresses a physical copy is shared amoungst the membership. There is also a website where members can write opinion pieces.

Official Website: https://www.jongedemocraten.nl (Dutch) DEMO: https://demojd.com/ JD Instagram: @jongedemocraten International site (Dutch): https://jongedemocraten.nl/internationaal/

Jonge Democraten is a member of IFLRY and LYMEC and actively engage with sister parties internationally. The JD has two active international officers. They are: Anna Maaten (LYMEC) and Friso Le Poole (IFLRY)

Wintercongress Amsterdam

Summercongress The Hague

DEMO at jubilee congress The Hague

JD comics

Old voting cards