SP leader Dijk finds Idsinga's quick resignation strange, "there must be more to it"

SP leader Jimmy Dijk finds the departure of Folkert Idsinga from the NSC as State Secretary “extremely disappointing”. “I have not been able to have a debate with this man,” Dijk said on the TV program WNL Op Zondag. “I find it strange that a state secretary is now resigning so quickly. That suggests that there must be more to it.”

Idsinga had resigned from the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of parliament, following criticism that he had not disclosed his business interests. He described it as “intolerable” that his coalition partner PVV is also demanding that he disclose his business interests. “I am affected by the political force field and the dynamics around manners and tone,” said Idsinga on Friday during a press conference in which he announced his resignation. Commenting on the tweets by PVV chairman Geert Wilders, Idsinga said: “I find the way messages are spread via social media very damaging to politics.”

The fact that Wilders “is jumping in like that” actually contributed to the resignation of the State Secretary, according to SP member Dijk. The socialist demanded full disclosure of the business interests of Idsinga, who was responsible for tax policy as State Secretary of Finance. The demand eventually found a majority with the help of the PVV, but the aftertaste was not satisfactory for Dijk. He points to the importance that the NSC attaches to openness and transparency. “It seems that someone would rather resign than be open and transparent, and I find that very striking in a State Secretary.

Dijk has his sights set on six other ministers, including three PVV members, “who all have shares and interests”. He also wants openness from them and, with the support of the PVV, sees a majority in favor of tightening the rules in this regard.

"I saw Geert Wilders' tough tweet when it came to Mr Idsinga, so I am very curious to know what he thinks about the others," Dijk said on the TV program.

The SP leader is even pushing for a change in the law. "If there is a majority in the House to change these rules, and thus to have more transparency in the appointment of ministers, then I will not let that opportunity pass me by," the SP MP stated.

Dijk indicates that his party has wanted this for a long time and this majority provides the wind in the sails to take action. "Mr Wilders showed it to Mr Idsinga. Let's fix it."