New Dutch MPs sworn in: Nearly half are first-timers

The new Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament, was sworn in on Thursday. Of the total 150 parliamentarians, 71 weren't in the previous parliament. All 150 parliamentarians had to take the oath, NOS reports.

Just because they're new to parliament, does not mean that all 71 new MPs are new to politics in The Hague. Departing Prime Minister Mark Rutte, for example, was sworn in as the VVD's number 1. Chances are that he will be Prime Minister again in the new cabinet, as the VVD is the largest party. Once the new government is formed, he will step down as parliamentarian and someone else will take is place.

For the PvdA Lilianne Ploumen was sworn in. The departing Development and Trade Minister was 10th on the PvdA parliamentarian lists, but still got one of the PvdA's nine parliamentary seats due to preference votes. She can likely thank her public campaign to counter the effects of U.S. President Donald Trump's anti abortion policies for these votes.

Leonie Sazias was sworn in for 50Plus. The former television presenter is a real newcomer, both to parliament and Hague politics.

All new PVV MPs were active in the Geert Wilders party before taking their seats. Vickey Maeijer was a European Parliamentarian and Gidi Markuszower was a PVV senator.

For GroenLinks former party leader Bram van Oijk is returning to parliament. He stepped down in favor of Jesse Klaver about two years ago. Klaver asked him to return as parliamentarian. According to NOS, it is very unusual for a former party leader to serve under his successor.

All CDA parliamentarians from the previous Tweede Kamer returned to this one, including a few additions. Such as Overijssel dairy farmer Maurice von Martels, who was elected based on preference votes.

A striking newcomer for the D66 is Jan Paternotte - the D66 leader in Amsterdam. His name has been mentioned as a possible successor for party leader Alexander Pechtold for years.