The Dutch Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB) is facing renewed internal strife as a group of sixty prominent members are calling for the return of Mona Keijzer to a leadership position within the party. The push for Keijzer’s reinstatement comes after she resigned from the BBB in February following a dispute over the party leadership, a move that highlighted divisions within the relatively new political force.
According to reports, the group – which includes former ministers, provincial representatives, and members of the Senate – have sent a letter to the party leadership outlining their concerns about the BBB’s current direction and organizational structure. The letter criticizes what they describe as a lack of democratic processes, insufficient professional organization, and a focus on short-term issues. They as well allege that individual ambitions are overshadowing the broader interests of the party.
Keijzer’s departure followed the appointment of Henk Vermeer as party leader after Caroline van der Plas stepped down. She had reportedly been promised the leadership role when Van der Plas indicated she would grab a step back, describing being bypassed as a “serious breach of faith.” This decision prompted Keijzer to leave the BBB and operate as an independent member of parliament. The move marked the second split within the parliament since the new MPs were sworn in, following a similar event within the far-right PVV party.
The signatories of the letter are requesting mediation to facilitate Keijzer’s return and are also calling for an independent evaluation of the events surrounding the party leadership selection. They view Keijzer’s exit as a “low point” not due to disagreements over policy, but rather the process that led to the leadership changes. The internal turmoil within the BBB underscores the challenges faced by emerging political parties in navigating internal dynamics and maintaining unity after a period of rapid growth and electoral success.
Prominent figures such as Gijs Tuinman, Nicki Pouw-Verweij, Gouke Moes, and Eddie van Marum are among those who have signed the letter, signaling a significant level of discontent within the BBB’s ranks. The situation is placing increasing pressure on both Van der Plas and Vermeer as they attempt to steer the party forward amidst these internal challenges.
