The SBS6 debate “Het Debat van Nederland” aired on 23 October 2025 at 20:30 local time, featuring four major parties and moderated by Wilfred Genee and Merel Ek. It centered on topics derived from voter panels rather than traditional stand-alone statements, with rounds allowing participants and audience members to pose questions. What the SBS6 debate covered

• Format and structure
  • The debate used topic-based rounds rather than a string of isolated statements, drawing questions from a representative Hart van Nederland panel to reflect voter concerns. This aimed to create a more practical, issue-focused dialogue among the party leaders.

* Each party leader received substantial, individual speaking time within the rounds, ensuring a broad airing of positions.

• Participants and hosting
  • List leaders participating included Geert Wilders (PVV), Frans Timmermans (GroenLinks/PvdA), Henri Bontenbal (CDA), and others associated with the VVD or coalition partners, depending on the final lineup announced by SBS6. The hosts were Wilfred Genee and Merel Ek, combining sports entertainment and political reporting expertise.

• Viewing and access
  • The program was broadcast live on SBS6 and later available for online viewing on KIJK.nl, with encore availability reflecting typical Dutch broadcast practices.

• Public reception and commentary
  • Coverage and reactions included discussions on which parties were included and how the format influenced debate dynamics, with common commentary noting debates can be shaped by the choice of participants and the question framework.

If you’d like, I can summarize specific moments from the broadcast (e.g., key exchanges, stance shifts, or moderator interventions) or compare this format to other recent Dutch election debates.