Particle.news
Download on the App Store

VVD Senator Cees van de Sanden Quits to Sit as Independent in Dutch Senate

His departure leaves the VVD with nine Senate seats shortly before national elections.

Overview

  • He will continue as a one-person faction after notifying the VVD Senate group on Wednesday morning.
  • He says the party has drifted from liberal core values, citing asylum emergency measures, the so‑called Uganda plan, an administrative ban on motorbike gangs without judicial oversight, and the Antifa motion.
  • In a television interview he said the VVD’s backing of a motion to label Antifa a terrorist organization was the final straw.
  • VVD Senate leader Tanja Klip-Martin said the decision came as a surprise and expressed regret that he is taking his seat with him.
  • Van de Sanden said he raised concerns internally over more than two years without effect and chose not to wait until after the elections to act.