New Social Contract Party to Participate in Nationwide Dutch Elections: A Detailed Look

New Social Contract Party to Participate in Nationwide Dutch Elections: A Detailed Look

Wide Participation Plans Despite Initial Hints of Limited Growth

After earlier indications of limited participation to prevent rapid growth, the Nieuw Sociaal Contract (NSC), led by Pieter Omtzigt, has declared its intention to participate in elections across the Netherlands. The announcement was made during the presentation of NSC’s candidate list for the parliamentary elections. Omtzigt, who had previously stated that he had “absolutely no ambition” for the premiership, remains mum on his party’s candidate for the position, asserting that his involvement in politics is due to his belief in the necessity of change in the country.

Not Worried About Party Becoming Too Large

Despite high polling numbers, Omtzigt has shown no signs of concern about the NSC expanding too significantly after the elections. He previously spoke about “responsible growth”, but internal discussions with all candidates led to the conclusion that participating in all 20 electoral circles was feasible.

The Diverse Candidate List

The candidate list includes notable names such as Sandra Palmen, Volkert Idsinga, and Rosanne Hertzberger, with four former CDA members also included. Omtzigt expressed his pride in this list, stating that it perfectly matches the party’s ambitions and that the candidates are “experts” in various fields.

Sandra Palmen: From the Child Care Allowance Scandal to Politics

Sandra Palmen, positioned fifth on the list, gained recognition for her role in the child care allowance scandal. As a high-ranking jurist with the tax authority, Palmen had warned the top of the organization multiple times about significant errors being made in the child care allowance. These warnings, later known as the ‘memo-Palmen’, were mysteriously lost at the top of the tax office and never reached the cabinet.

Volkert Idsinga: The Former VVD Member

Volkert Idsinga’s candidacy is particularly notable, as he was a recent member of the VVD party. He quietly left the House of Representatives earlier this month for “personal reasons”. Idsinga was involved in discussions about the tax authority and the child care allowance scandal during his time with VVD.

Rosanne Hertzberger and Former CDA Members

Rosanne Hertzberger, a columnist for NRC, is also a surprising name on the list, along with four former CDA members, including Nicolien van Vroonhoven, who is second on the list.