The GroenLinks–PvdA alliance is to continue under the new name Progressief Nederland, bringing an end to more than 80 years of the Labour Party (PvdA) and 35 years of GroenLinks.

The announcement was made on Thursday evening at an event in Halfweg attended by around 1,000 supporters.

The new name, which the party would like to see abbreviated to “PRO”, was presented alongside a revised logo in which the traditional PvdA rose has changed from red to green.

Party leader Jesse Klaver said the name reflects a positive political message. “We are fighting with hope and optimism for a fair Netherlands,” he told supporters.

The launch was accompanied by a 22-page manifesto outlining the party’s direction, described as “pro-fair, pro-green and pro-social”. It sets out ambitions to tackle inequality, increase taxes on large companies and give the government a stronger role in areas such as healthcare, education and housing.

The new party is due to be formally established on June 13 in Den Bosch.

Klaver said he wants Progressief Nederland to become a broad-based party capable of attracting a wide range of voters. “Whether you vote for us or not, we aim to unite people,” he said.

While the manifesto repeatedly stresses fairness, it leaves several sensitive issues largely unaddressed, including migration and the conflict in the Middle East.

Klaver said the party has chosen to focus on what it supports rather than what it opposes. “We have few measures against things, but many in favour,” he said.

Dutch News will abbreviate the name to PN in its reporting, in line with accepted journalistic practice .