THE HAGUE, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Dutch politician Pieter Omtzigt, founder of the New Social Contract (NSC) party and a key figure in the ruling coalition, announced his departure from national politics on Tuesday, citing a "toxic" political climate in the Netherlands.
In an emotional farewell speech to the Dutch House of Representatives, Omtzigt criticized the legislature for its limited visibility in addressing national problems and pointed to the role of the media in fostering a toxic political environment.
Omtzigt, 51, steps down after more than two decades as a parliamentarian. Formerly a member of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), he left the party in 2021 to serve as an independent before founding NSC in August 2023. Under his leadership, NSC secured 20 seats in the November 2023 general elections, becoming the fourth-largest party.
In July 2024, after prolonged coalition talks, NSC joined a new government with the Party for Freedom (PVV), the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), and the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB).
Addressing concerns that his resignation might betray voters, Omtzigt said, "I would have liked to finish it, because it is not finished. That is exactly that toxic climate."
Though his announcement came as a surprise, it followed months of scaled-back duties due to health issues. Since November, he had shared NSC leadership with Nicolien van Vroonhoven, who will continue as the party's sole leader. ■
