Forum for Democracy shifts Leadership, Maintains Hard Line on Immigration adn EU
ZEVENHUIZEN, Netherlands – Forum for Democracy (FVD) has installed 28-year-old Eline de vos as its new parliamentary party leader, replacing Pepijn van Houwelingen, effective Tuesday. The leadership change comes as the party aims to revitalize its electoral prospects, currently polling between two and four seats, wiht a stated goal of securing twelve in the upcoming elections. Former party leader Thierry Baudet will remain party chairman and is positioned second on the electoral list.
Baudet announced his decision to step down as leader yesterday, citing a perceived “media blockade” stemming from polarized opinions about him, and believing a new face could garner more attention. He described de Vos as “calmer and younger” and expressed pride in her appointment.
Despite the leadership transition,FVD’s core platform remains firmly rooted in opposition to mass immigration,advocating for “remigration” to preserve Dutch identity,according to their draft election program. The party also continues to champion a departure from the European Union and a rejection of current climate and nitrogen policies, even proposing the reopening of the Groningen gas field to ensure “affordable energy.”
De Vos, a former Member of Parliament with a background in neuroscience and biochemistry, indicated she intends to maintain the party’s broad direction while potentially shifting emphasis in certain areas. She highlighted the struggles faced by her peers, many of whom are “forced to live with their parents,” as an issue she intends to address.
During her previous term in the Lower House, De Vos focused on the nitrogen file and intends to continue that work, though potentially with a broader scope. She also affirmed her support for past statements made by FVD MPs, including a controversial incident where Pepijn van Houwelingen threatened action against D66 MP Sjoerd Sjoerdsma. While acknowledging the statement, de Vos noted, “But I would have expressed some things differently.”
The party’s draft election program, available here, outlines a commitment to halting “mass immigration” and prioritizing the interests of the Dutch people. The program also calls for an end to “climate and nitrogen policy” and a return to domestic energy production.