Two Members of Parliament from the Nieuw Sociaal Contract (NSC) party are stepping down: Rosanne Hertzberger and Femke Zeedijk. Interim parliamentary leader Nicolien van Vroonhoven announced their departure following the party’s weekly meeting. The resigning MPs will return their seats to the faction.
Their resignation follows last Friday’s cabinet crisis, when NSC State Secretary Nora Achahbar stepped down, citing “polarising behavior” within the cabinet. Media reports highlighted allegations of racist remarks in the Council of Ministers.
No Holding Back
TU Delft alumna Rosanne Hertzberger was responsible for higher education and scientific research within the party. She had supported measures such as the long-term study penalty, cuts to scientific research funding, and restrictions on the number of international students.
However, Hertzberger stated she can no longer support this government “as an MP and as a person.” She expressed concerns about the lack of restraint among various parties in the government. “Completely inappropriate remarks are being made, both publicly and behind the scenes,” she said.
Recently, Hertzberger visited the TU Delft campus to discuss topics such as social safety, freedom of press, and the implications of the Balanced Internationalization Act. During her visit, she met with representatives of the action group Students and Staff for Safety, Delta editor-in-chief Saskia Bonger, and Works Council Chair Ronald Kuil.
Trial Balloons
Mathematician Femke Zeedijk, who previously worked at chip machine manufacturer ASML, oversaw the National Growth Fund portfolio. “Over the past months, I have also been troubled by the lack of proper conduct, polarising media statements, and half-baked trial balloons”, she explained her decision to step down.
Commenting on the State Secretary’s resignation, Zeedijk said, “For me, discrimination now has a face, and it is the face of our own Nora. This is where I draw the line. I no longer wish to contribute to this. This is not who I am.” (HOP, BB)
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