This is a moment of new opportunities, a new generation is rising in politics.
The Mobility Alliance has arrived emphatically mixed in the political debate, as important choices will soon have to be made. There seems to be a historic change in the Dutch political landscape, especially due to the striking number of female party leaders for the upcoming elections. This increase may mark a crucial moment in Dutch politics. It is possible that this also has an impact on mobility policy, although many women have been influential in this area in recent decades.
At a time when gender equality is increasingly at the forefront of political and social debates, the prominent role of women in political leadership has never been more evident. The upcoming elections are characterized by a remarkable number of female party leaders at the helm of their parties. We are happy to take a closer look at this development.
The Socialist Party has once again opted for trusted leadership by Lillian Marijnissen to nominate again as leader. The former trade union activist and daughter of former SP leader Jan Marijnissen took over the role of party chairman in the House of Representatives from Emile Roemer and remains a central figure within the party.
The news that Dilan Yesilgöz, the current outgoing minister of Justice and Security, will lead the VVD list is an important development for the party. At the VVD, Mark Rutte takes a step back after years of leadership, paving the way for the new party leader Dilan Yesilgoz.
The news that Dilan Yesilgöz, the current outgoing minister of Justice and Security, will lead the VVD list is an important development for the party. With her experience and position in the current government, she is a prominent choice for the Liberals.
In 1984 Yesilgöz, the daughter of a Turkish lawyer, fled to the Netherlands. Her political journey took her through various left-wing parties, including SP, GroenLinks and PvdA, but she eventually found her home with the VVD.
BBB
Expectations are also high for it Caroline van der Plas of the BoerBurgerBeweging, which scores well according to the polls. Although looking forward to the final party program, the possible candidacy for the premiership is something that currently keeps them at bay. What we do know is BBB is against a kilometer charge. Motorists pay according to use through fuel excise duties and energy tax. Mobility is already expensive enough. And in addition, according to the BBB, a kilometer charge is very bad for the economy.
Although she has only been in the House of Representatives since March 2021, Mirjam Bikker has already made herself heard. In January 2023 she became leader of the ChristenUnie, and it was ultimately her principles that failed the Rutte IV cabinet, a sign of her influence and determination. Driven by God's love and Christ's kingship, the ChristenUnie wants to dedicate itself to society and the government of our country.
Esther Oldhand is a familiar face in the House of Representatives and is again the choice of the Party for the Animals for the position of party leader. Her years of commitment to animal rights, nature conservation and sustainability have given her a permanent place in the political landscape of the Netherlands. After the departure of Marianne Thieme, Ouwehand has firmly taken over the leadership of the party.
Heavy task
Also men as list pullers. At the CDA Henri Bontenbal is the new party leader, a relatively new face who has the heavy task of repositioning the CDA. While Rob Jetten, who entered the House of Representatives for D2017 in 66, takes over from Sigrid Kaag as party leader. The PvdA and GroenLinks have jointly Frans Timmermans forward, a prominent figure in European politics. His experience as Vice-President of the European Commission will certainly play a role in his campaign.
Robert Jett may work as party leader for D66. “This is a crucial moment. War on our continent, the earth is warming up, people work hard but don't have enough left over at the end of the month. And The Hague? Everyone is too busy with themselves. If nothing changes, the major problems will remain, said Jetten and thanked him for the trust.”
While JA21, led by Joost Eerdmans, is undergoing democratic reforms, the roles of the party leaders are respectively assigned to the other parties Geert Wilders, Thierry Baudet, Kees van der Staij, Laurens Dassen, Stephan van Baarle and Wybren van Haga.
It is still too early to say how the dynamics between 'New Social Contract' and other parties will unfold. But if Pieter Omtzigt's new party actually enters the House of Representatives, it is likely that bridges will be built between different factions.
history
While the Netherlands already has a rich history of female political leaders since the early 20th century, it is encouraging to see this momentum continuing and strengthening. The fact that there are so many female party leaders is another step for the visibility of women in Dutch politics.
Looking back at history, 1977 was the year in which Ria Beckers became the first national female party leader for the PPR. Marga Klompé previously had that honor with the KVP, but that was only in a few provinces. It took years for the trend of female party leaders to take hold. The XNUMXs showed a steady increase with names like Cathy Ubels for the Evangelical People's Party and Andrée van Es for the PSP.
