Where does Volt stand?

Evidence from the European Elections 2019 in the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany

Abstract

Only a few years after its foundation, Volt is represented in the EU and in two national parliaments. While the party describes itself as pro-European, little is known about where it stands on other issues. This analysis draws on party positions from European Voting Advice Applications for the 2019 elections, which includes data from the Dutch, German and Luxembourgian Volt branches. All branches show a strong proximity to the Social Democratic, Green and Liberal parties and are polar opposites to the populist radical right. However, there are also differences between the national chapters. Luxembourg is the most progressive chapter, whereas Volt Netherlands is the most centric economically: While both are best described as left-progressive parties, the Luxembourg chapter is slightly more supportive of progressive policies, while Volt Netherlands is taking less radical left-leaning economic positions.