D66 leader Jetten sees potential in PVV defectors; GL-PvdA calls it "right-wing chaos"

D66 leader Rob Jetten welcomed the formation of a new parliamentary faction, saying it “offers opportunities for constructive cooperation,” following the announcement that seven PVV MPs are breaking away.

Jetten’s party is not immediately excluding the PVV defectors, but he added, “the question is what their policy direction will be. We’ll see over the next few weeks.”

Jetten said it is still unclear whether the new faction, headed by Gidi Markuszower, will be invited to talks on supporting the minority coalition of D66, VVD, and CDA. “I need to discuss that with the informateur first,” he added.

Wilders, who had responded to the events earlier in the afternoon, added that he did not see this coming from Markuszower. “He was not just a colleague, but also a friend.”

The PVV leader expressed regret at no longer being the opposition leader. His faction now has 19 seats, just one less than the GroenLinks-PvdA faction. Wilders declined to call the move a “seat theft,” saying, “I did the same myself once, so I shouldn’t criticize others for doing it.” He split from the VVD in 2004 to form his own party.

Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, leader of the VVD, believes there could be room for a minority government involving the PVV defectors under Gidi Markuszower. “If they believe it benefits the country, they may be willing to back it,” she said.

Shortly after the announcement of the seven PVV members leaving the party, Yeşilgöz-Zegerius said she intends to engage in discussions with all political parties.

The VVD’s parliamentary leader said it is still undecided whether Markuszower’s new faction will be invited to discussions with the negotiators and informateur Rianne Letschert. “I haven’t given that any thought yet,” she added.

Henri Bontenbal, leader of the CDA, said that with 19 seats, the PVV remains a “solid opposition party.” He added that it is too soon to say whether collaboration with the seven defectors is possible. “We need to wait and see what their next steps will be.”

Bontenbal refrained from making extensive remarks about the PVV MPs who are leaving. “I wouldn’t wish this misfortune on anyone, and I’m not going to celebrate someone else’s downfall,” he said.

GroenLinks-PvdA leader Jesse Klaver expressed joy at the news. Klaver said he is “pleased to see further fragmentation on the right.” He added that, in his view, “the chaos on the right is now complete.”

The three coalition-forming parties, D66, VVD, and CDA, are considering GroenLinks-PvdA to secure a majority. The seven PVV defectors are positioning themselves as constructive, but Klaver said he will not collaborate with them if they adopt PVV-like positions or ideas. “I need to see how this unfolds first,” he added.

Joost Eerdmans made it clear he is not looking to attract PVV defectors. Commenting on JA21’s current standing, he said, “We are very pleased with the nine seats we hold.”

Eerdmans suggested that the new faction of ex-PVV MPs could “create new opportunities for Jetten” in terms of working with the intended minority coalition led by D66 leader Rob Jetten. “Perhaps there will be room for collaboration,” he added.

Earlier, Eerdmans stated that his party is “open” to working with D66, VVD, and CDA, provided that any initiatives are consistent with JA21’s own policies.

PVV MP Marjolein Faber affirmed her unwavering support for party leader Geert Wilders. She declined to comment on the seven ex-colleagues who left the party, saying, “I am a PVV member, I will remain a PVV member, and I will continue working for the PVV.”

Marjolein Faber served as Minister of Asylum and Migration in the Schoof cabinet. While in office, she received full support from Wilders, despite facing significant criticism from both Parliament and society over her approach to the role.