Nicolien van Vroonhoven is withdrawing as the leader of NSC for the upcoming parliamentary elections. It is not yet known who will lead the list.
Van Vroonhoven announced via a statement on X that she will not be standing again as leader for the party. “This decision is anything but easy, but I suspect it will not come as a complete surprise to some of you.”
Van Vroonhoven announced last week that she was still unsure whether she wanted to continue her leadership. She has now made that decision.
The NSC member points out, among other things, that the past few years “have been immensely special, but also quite difficult”. And if she wanted to lead the way in the upcoming campaign, she wants to do it with 100 percent commitment. “Unfortunately, I cannot give that commitment now.”
She also said that the “current way of doing politics has had an effect on her”. Nevertheless, she will remain active in the House of Representatives. It is not yet known whether she will remain active as parliamentary leader.
Van Vroonhoven took over from Omtzigt
Van Vroonhoven was involved in the establishment of NSC. She met Pieter Omtzigt at the CDA, where she started her political career. During Omtzigt’s sick leave, she took over his parliamentary leadership. In April, she definitively took over when Omtzigt announced that he was stepping down from national politics.
As (co-)parliamentary leader, Van Vroonhoven conducted coalition negotiations with PVV, VVD and BBB last year. She also had contact with the media instead of Omtzigt.
Her public appearances were uncertain. Van Vroonhoven was also often confused and stuttered in debates.
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Van Vroonhoven takes over NSC chairmanship: ‘Touches me deeply’
NSC MP Boomsma wants to become leader
It is not yet known who will be her successor at NSC. On Wednesday, NSC posted a public vacancy for a national leader on its website. The party is looking for a “charismatic and inspiring leader who exudes confidence”.
Another candidate has already openly reported: NSC MP Diederik Boomsma. On Friday, he indicated, among other things via X, that he was interested in the position. “I am opting for a social-conservative course: restoration of authority, respect for our culture, less migration, a service-oriented government and a caring, resilient society,” Boomsma said.
Interested parties have until Saturday night to register.