From ‘dear Pieter’ to ‘courageous decision’: Thus The Hague responds on departure Omtzigt

Pieter Omtzigt, the party leader of New Social Contract (NSC), left national politics on Friday. During the evening, Politics The Hague responded via social media to his unexpected departure. Understanding the decision predominates.

« From very close by I have seen how sincere, how intense and how conscientious he is committed to people who are struggling and being driven in. » That is what Nicolien van Vroonhoven, who succeeds Omtzigt as group chairman of NSC, via the website of the party. « I hope that Pieter can relax well and forces. »

« Dear Pieter »Van Vroonhoven adds more personal to this later in the evening: « After everything we have experienced politically together in the last 3 years, this is very difficult for me. »

Other NSC people also respond. « We are deep grateful to Pieter for everything he has created, » says NSC party chairman Kilian Wawoe. Eddy van Hijum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Affairs on behalf of NSC, responds that it is « painful » « that Pieter now feels forced to stop. » Another NSC minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp, ​​says he « Deep respect » for Omtzigt. « All support for Nicolien van Vroonhoven. »

CDA: all good

The reaction of CDA’er Henri Bontenbal, leader of the party where Omtzigt left in 2021, took a relatively long time on Friday. “Best (Pieter Omtzigt), it will not easy decision have been for you. I wish you all the best and the time to rest.  » Omtzigt was a member of parliament for the CDA for eighteen years and left the party in aftermath of the ‘function elsewhere’ affair.

They do not immediately show whether the leaders of the parties with which NSC is in the coalition, PVV, VVD and BBB, saw the departure of their colleague. « Thank you for the collaboration Pieter. And for what you have done as a member of parliament », writes VVD leader Dilan Yesilgöz on X.

PVV party chairman Geert Wilders praise Omtzigt’s efforts in Dutch politics: « A lot of respect Pieter for everything you have done for the Netherlands and for the collaboration. I wish you the very best. » BBB leader Caroline van der Plas praises that Omtzigt stood up for the victims of the Surcharge Scandal. « You’re doing well, » writes them.

‘Skilled colleague’

The Haagse opposition announced that it would respect the premature stepping out of Omtzigt, but also regretting it. « You are doing well, » says D66 leader Rob Jetten. GroenLinks party leader Timmermans calls it a « courageous decision. » Christine Teunissen of the Party for the Animals says that Omtzigt was a « very skilled colleague ».

SP party chairman Jimmy Dijk speaks of a « intense » decision. « So much done for parents and children in (the) allowance scandal. For people in the WIA, problems with UWV, with Long Covid, and so many subjects that touch people hard. »

Prime Minister Dick Schoof mentions Omtzigt’s decision in one message on x « courageous but unfortunate. » « The Hague loses an enthusiastic and passionate Member of Parliament, a real representative. On behalf of the entire cabinet, I wish Pieter the well -deserved peace he needs for his recovery. »

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