Trust in VVD leader Yeşilgöz drops from 76% to 55% as half of voters want new leadership

Trust in VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz has dropped significantly among VVD voters over the past months, with half now saying she should make way for new leadership, according to RTL Nieuwspanel research.

In December, six weeks after the Tweede Kamer elections, 76 percent of VVD voters said they trusted Yeşilgöz as party leader. That figure has now fallen to 55 percent. Researchers note that a healthy trust level is considered to be above 80 percent. The decline comes after Yeşilgöz chose to enter a minority cabinet with D66 and the CDA following the elections. She joined the cabinet as VVD party leader and took on the roles of Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister in the Jetten cabinet.

Among VVD voters surveyed, opinions on her leadership are divided but increasingly critical. One respondent said, "In the current coalition she lets her voice, what the VVD stands for, be heard too little. She tends to go along too much with D66 and CDA, moving to the left.” Another voter offered a contrasting view, saying, “She stands for her opinion and dares to intervene in painful dossiers.”

One voter questioned her suitability as party leader altogether, stating, "She is better placed as a minister or state secretary but has too little power and charisma as party leader.” Overall, 50 percent of VVD voters say Yeşilgöz should step aside now or in the near future.

When asked who should succeed her, VVD voters were divided. 35 percent prefer Vincent Karremans, currently a Minister of Infrastructure, as the next party leader. 27 percent support Ruben Brekelmans, the current parliamentary faction leader. Another 8 percent favor Eelco Heinen, Minister of Finance, for the role.