Pieter Omtzigt, the Enschede party leader of Nieuw Sociaal Contract (NSC), announced his departure as a member of the Dutch Parliament on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, in a video message on social media. Omtzigt stated that it is time to prioritize his family and health due to the incomplete recovery from his earlier burn-out. "It was a tremendous honor and privilege to be a member of Parliament for over 21 years," Omtzigt said in his video message. "The toll of that has been quite significant, and therefore I choose to put my family first for the first time and focus on my own health. True recovery from my burn-out is simply not possible in the hectic environment of current politics in The Hague."
Omtzigt joined the Dutch Parliament in 2003 as a member of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA). His political career has been marked by numerous ups and downs, culminating in his departure from the CDA in mid-2021 after an internal document criticizing the party's functioning was leaked. Not long before this, he narrowly missed the party leadership twice, first losing to Hugo de Jonge and later to Wopke Hoekstra after de Jonge stepped down. This situation exposed deep-seated issues within the CDA.
After stepping away from the CDA, Omtzigt took a months-long break from parliamentary work due to a burn-out. It was during this period of leave that he decided to leave the CDA altogether. He continued to serve as an independent member of Parliament until the fall of the Rutte IV Cabinet in the summer of 2023, when he founded his own party, Nieuw Sociaal Contract. This new political venture proved to be a success, as NSC won 20 seats in the parliamentary elections at the end of 2023, performing particularly well in his home region of Twente.
Despite the success of his party, Omtzigt's health remained a concern. He had already taken a temporary step back from politics at the end of the previous year due to his burn-out. Now, he has officially handed over the leadership of NSC to Nicolien van Vroonhoven, stating, "I am proud of how our new party, Nieuw Sociaal Contract, has become a strong and content-rich faction and of the excellent work of the NSC ministers and the NSC Member of the European Parliament. I know that the ideology of more security of existence and good governance is in good hands."
Omtzigt's decision to leave politics has drawn reactions from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Dick Schoof called it a "courageous but regrettable decision," acknowledging that The Hague is losing a passionate and dedicated member of Parliament. He expressed gratitude for Omtzigt's contributions and wished him the well-deserved rest he needs for his recovery.
Geert Wilders, leader of the PVV, expressed respect for Omtzigt's work, stating, "Much respect, Pieter, for everything you have done for the Netherlands and for the collaboration. I wish you all the best." VVD leader Dilan Yesilgöz thanked Omtzigt for his cooperation and contributions as a member of Parliament. Caroline van der Plas, of the BBB, appreciated Omtzigt's choice to prioritize his family and health, saying, "Thank you for everything you have meant for many people in the Netherlands, especially those in distress and the victims of the childcare allowance scandal. I wish you all the best and thank you for the collaboration."
Former MP Renske Leijten, who had worked closely with Omtzigt in exposing the childcare allowance scandal, described his decision as a "smart choice" but acknowledged it might feel bitter. She encouraged him to take the time to rest and reflect positively on his years of service.
Omtzigt's resignation comes as a significant moment in Dutch politics, particularly for the NSC, which he founded just two years ago. As he prepares to say goodbye to the House of Representatives and his party next month, he reflects on the substantial impact he has made in his career. Despite his departure, Omtzigt remains optimistic about the future of his party and the values it represents.
In his farewell, Omtzigt stated, "Although I still have a wealth of ideas and the work for the victims of the childcare allowance scandal, particularly for the children placed outside their homes, is not finished, I regret to say that I cannot complete my mandate." His departure marks the end of an era, not just for him personally but for the political landscape of the Netherlands, as he has been a prominent figure in advocating for justice and accountability.
As Omtzigt concludes his political journey, he leaves behind a legacy of integrity and resilience. His commitment to uncovering the truth, particularly regarding the childcare allowance scandal, earned him respect from many, even as it put him at odds with his own party. His departure is a poignant reminder of the personal toll that public service can take and the importance of prioritizing health and family.
