Den Bosch D66 leader quits; "immense pressure" from party

Faction chairman Jan Smit of the D66 in Den Bosch resigned after "immense pressure" from the rural D66 management to get into the new college. According to Smit, they had to get an alderman post "at all cost". He explained his departure in a letter. The letter states that the formation process after the D66's election victory on November 19th in Hertogenbosch was aimed at achieving more seats and getting support of other progressive parties. Smit states that it was clear to everyone that the chosen strategy could risk the D66 ending up in the opposition, but the faction held to it. "Because of the rural pressure the majority in the faction still chose for an adjustment of its strategy. Therefore it became impossible for me to continue to function a faction chairman and leader of D66's-Hertogenbosch." Smit wrote. "I find this extremely regrettable, but I have no choice." Mike van der Geld now takes over this role. Van der Geld told ANP today that he did not experience pressure from the rural management. "We are coached and advised, but I do not recognize the pressure or control that Jan is talking about." According to Van der Geld, Smit wanted to stick to the PvdA as a coalition partner while the other faction members also wanted to have talks with other potential coalition partners.