Dutch parliament resolves internal dispute with former Speaker after mediation

A dispute between former House Speaker Khadija Arib and the presidium of the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament, has been resolved, according to a letter from current Speaker Thom van Campen. The case stemmed from a 2022 investigation into Arib, launched after two anonymous complaints about her behaviour. Following mediation, both sides have now reached an agreement.

The pending appeal has now been withdrawn, meaning the case is fully closed. "This ends the procedure for all parties involved," wrote Van Campen. He added that the agreement reached between the presidium and Arib serves "the interests of everyone involved."

Van Campen said he could not comment on the substance of the mediation, other than to confirm that Marjolein Moorman (PRO) acted on behalf of the presidium during the process.

Van Campen said the resolution fits the role of the Tweede Kamer "with an important exemplary role in society, and with the stature of Ms. Khadija Arib as a former Speaker and Member of Parliament." He expects the matter to now subside and for "attention to be directed toward the future."

Not long after the former presidium decided to investigate the complaints in the letters, the decision was leaked to NRC. A former spokesperson for House Speaker Vera Bergkamp, who succeeded Arib, was acquitted last year of leaking confidential information.

Arib challenged the legality of the investigation in court, arguing through her lawyers that MPs cannot launch inquiries into fellow members. The presidium countered that the seriousness of the allegations justified the probe. A judge ruled that the investigation was allowed, prompting Arib to take the case to appeal.