FVD Shifts Leadership: Lidewij de Vos Named New Party Leader, Baudet Steps Aside
THE HAGUE – In a significant move for the Forum for Democracy (FVD), Lidewij de vos has been appointed the party’s new leader and top candidate for upcoming elections. The decision, announced today, sees founder Thierry Baudet relinquish the leadership role, though he will remain party chairman and take the second position on the electoral list.
Baudet explained the change stems from a belief that his personal image has become a hindrance to the party’s growth, citing ”polarized opinions” surrounding him and a sustained “blockade in the media” lasting five years. He acknowledged personal duty while also attributing the situation to negative framing, stating, “That is partly my own fault, but also partly created by framing and not being given a fair chance.” Baudet expressed confidence that with De Vos at the helm, FVD is poised for a “fantastic result” in the elections and will effectively advocate for its voters and the Netherlands.
De Vos, 28, will also assume the position of FVD’s parliamentary group leader, replacing Baudet in that capacity next week.She is taking the seat previously held by Pepijn van Houwelingen. This isn’t De Vos’s first time in the Dutch Parliament; she previously served as a temporary replacement for Baudet from January to April and has also worked as a policy advisor for the party.
“It is a very great honor and a significant task to be the list leader of the largest membership party in the Netherlands,” De Vos stated in a released statement. She pledged to steer the party forward,emphasizing a commitment to political renewal. De Vos is now the youngest list leader among parties currently represented in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of the Dutch Parliament.
