Christian party leader Arie Slob resigns, PM: ”Wish him all the best”

ChristenUnie leader Arie Slob has announced his resignation from national politics. Prime Minister Mark Rutte calls his decision "unfortunate, and wishes him all the best for the future. In an interview with the Nederlands Dagblad, Slob said that this was the right time for him to hand over the responsibility to someone else. The ChristenUnie has found its balance and has broad support. "I think the party is ready for it; I've worked hard to prepare people who can take over. I really appreciate the team I have around me. This is a very special time with all MPs rotating on the front lines. As a result, there is the spice and the confidence to transfer the responsibility." he said. He added that there are also personal reasons for him to step down. His 54th birthday is next week - the age that his father died and he wants to spend more time with his family. "The children are already out of the door, but now I just want to once again be able to do something n the church, celebrate birthdays I would otherwise have had to pass up, and go on vacation without being disturbed." According to Slob, the Christian party will announce Gert-Jan Segers as his successor later on Tuesday. Prime Minister Mark Rutte finds Slob's departure "unfortunate". "I understand and of course totally respect his decision, but it is unfortunate. I have always worked very well with him", he said to the Telegraaf, describing his cooperation with Slob over recent years as sometimes quite intense but always effective. "He is honest, solution oriented and knows how to use humor to break the ice when it gets tense. I'm going to miss that. I wish him all the best." D66 leader Alexander Pecthold wished Slob well on Twitter: "Thanks Arie Slob for many years of pleasant cooperation! Good luck with the new challenge!"

Dank @arieslob voor jarenlange prettige samenwerking! Succes met de nieuwe uitdaging.

— Alexander Pechtold (@APechtold) November 10, 2015