BBB Secures Key Defectors Amid Shifting Political Landscape

Party Aims for Governing Role with New Electoral List

The Boerburgerbeweging (BBB) party has once again captured public attention by welcoming two prominent political figures to its ranks. Pension specialist Agnes Joseph, formerly of NSC, has officially joined BBB and has been placed on the party’s provisional electoral list.

Shifting Affiliations Highlight Policy Disagreements

Agnes Joseph‘s departure from NSC is seen as particularly significant, given her previous role within a coalition party. Reports suggest her move stemmed from a lack of support for her pension reform proposals, which aimed to increase participation for pension beneficiaries.

In a statement to De Telegraaf, Joseph indicated that pension reform represented a larger motivation for her than the “good governance and legal certainty” that NSC prioritizes. This ideological divergence appears to have prompted her switch.

A Pattern of Political Transfers for BBB

This is not the first time BBB has attracted defectors from other parties. During the 2023 national elections, the party also saw significant transfers. Nicki Pouw-Verweij and Derk Jan Eppink joined from JA21, while Lilian Helder moved from PVV, though she later departed BBB in February due to internal disagreements.

The most notable acquisition in 2023 was former CDA member Mona Keijzer, who became BBB’s candidate for Prime Minister. Her move was a significant development following BBB’s strong performance in the Provincial States elections.

“Retrospectively, Van der Plas stated that the media overemphasized Keijzer as a ‘prime minister’; BBB’s support has since declined, particularly after the emergence of Pieter Omtzigt’s new electoral competitor.”

—Caroline van der Plas, Party Leader

Looking ahead, BBB aims to form a “socio-conservative coalition” after the upcoming elections. Caroline van der Plas expressed bewilderment at the VVD’s decision to exclude the PVV while engaging with GroenLinks, a stance that seemingly excludes the PvdA as well.

Challenges and Electoral Prospects

Two years ago, BBB faced concerns about securing enough qualified candidates for the House of Representatives, with campaign leader Henk Vermeer anticipating a significant electoral impact. However, the party secured seven seats in 2023, with Joseph‘s addition potentially bringing the total to eight.

The current polling suggests BBB is polling between two and four seats, a notable drop from earlier projections. The addition of new faces like Joseph and former VVD MP Helma Lodders, who is nominated as a list pusher, aims to reverse this trend.

As of August 2025, polling data indicates that if the elections were held now, only party leader Caroline van der Plas, Mona Keijzer, co-founder Henk Vermeer, and agricultural minister Femke Wiersma would secure seats. The upcoming elections on October 29 will determine BBB’s final representation.

Incumbent Secretaries and Departures

The future of outgoing BBB State Secretaries remains uncertain. Gijs Tuinman (Defense) is listed at number six, Jean Rummenie (Agriculture) at thirteen, and Eddie van Marum (Interior) at fourteen on the electoral list. Current Members of Parliament Marieke Wijen-Nass, Claudia van Zanten, and Martin Oostenbrink are positioned within the top ten alongside newcomer Joseph.

Mariska Rikkers-Oosterkamp has decided not to seek re-election, opting for a new challenge in the northern part of the country. Member of Parliament Cor Pierik also announced his departure, citing a desire for an environment where facts are consistently prioritized.