“A brave but regrettable decision”: lawmakers react as Omtzigt leaves politics

Politicians from across the political spectrum responded with shock, sorrow, and deep respect Friday after Pieter Omtzigt announced he would leave national politics citing burnout-related health problems.

Prime Minister Dick Schoof called it “a brave but regrettable decision,” praising Omtzigt’s contributions and wishing him a full recovery. “The Hague loses a passionate and dedicated member of the Tweede Kamer, a true representative of the people,” he wrote on X. “I thank him for his efforts and our collaboration in recent months. Even after his departure, NSC’s vision will remain woven into cabinet policy. On behalf of the entire cabinet, I wish Pieter the well-deserved rest he needs for his recovery.”

Omtzigt, 50, said he would not complete his term in the Tweede Kamer, citing ongoing struggles after his second burnout. He had already taken two medical leaves, most recently in September 2024, before returning in November. In his farewell message, he said the chaos of The Hague had made recovery impossible, even though he remained full of ideas and believed his work—particularly for victims of the childcare benefits scandal—was far from finished.

In a message posted on X, he wrote: “Although I am still full of ideas and the work for, for example, victims of the childcare benefits scandal—and especially for the children placed out of their homes—is far from finished, I regret to say that I cannot complete my mandate. The recovery simply isn’t possible amid the chaos of The Hague.”

Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Social Affairs and Employment Eddy van Hijum, a co-founder of NSC and longtime political ally of Omtzigt, said the party now faces the difficult task of finding “a new balance” in the wake of his departure. “This really feels like a great loss,” Van Hijum said during an appearance on the television program Café Kockelmann. “Pieter was our figurehead, the carrier of our core philosophy. But I still have a lot of faith in the parliamentary group and the NSC members in the cabinet. We know exactly what we stand for and what we have to do in the coming period. I believe we can do that together, but it will take some getting used to.”

Van Hijum, who called Omtzigt a close confidant, said the news did not come as a total surprise. “We already knew he hadn’t recovered from his second burnout,” he said, referring to the leave of absence Omtzigt took in September 2024. “But he only informed me of his final decision on Friday afternoon.”

Nicolien van Vroonhoven, who now becomes NSC’s new parliamentary leader, said the departure hit her hard. “The workload overwhelmed him. It became too much. Then he decided to put himself first. Everyone supports that choice,” she told NOS.

She explained that although the signs had been building, she only learned of Omtzigt’s decision the morning it was announced. “He went all in again after returning in November. But it was simply too soon.”

Van Vroonhoven, who had served as vice faction leader and stepped in during Omtzigt’s previous absences, said she had attempted to convince him to remain. “I asked him to slow down instead, because he is of immense value to the party—the founder, and an important example for all of us,” she said. “I’ll miss him terribly. Now I have to do it alone. I always had the shadow of Pieter to hide behind. That shadow is gone now.” She acknowledged she had known he was considering an exit, “but not that he would quit definitively.”

The transition comes at a turbulent moment for the party, which is facing growing pressure from coalition tensions and difficult spring budget negotiations.

Van Vroonhoven described the talks as “a trial by fire,” and pushed back against media reports claiming she had shouted or cried during those meetings. “I’ve heard many nasty things, but I don’t shout or cry,” she said. “The fact that such things are being said says a lot about the current dynamics.”

Despite the challenges, she voiced continued faith in the coalition. “I move forward in good spirits with our message about social security: that’s what we fight for. We really want to do something for the people at the bottom.”

She also said the NSC was prepared to bring down the government if its priorities could not be met. “If we can’t achieve what we stand for, then there’s no other option,” she said on NPO Radio 1.

Lawmakers across party lines expressed admiration for Omtzigt’s long record of service and deep concern for his well-being.

Christine Teunissen of the Party for the Animals thanked him for his “tireless efforts for the benefits scandal victims and their children,” adding, “With your departure, the Tweede Kamer loses a warm and very capable colleague. Wishing you happiness and good recovery.”

D66 leader Rob Jetten called him “a driven parliamentarian with a sharp eye for justice and oversight,” and added, “All the best.”

GroenLinks–PvdA leader Frans Timmermans said the decision was “a brave one that deserves respect,” writing: “Thank you for your commitment to the Netherlands. Wishing you strength and especially recovery. Stay strong!”

CDA leader Henri Bontenbal said he suspected it had not been “an easy decision,” and wished Omtzigt “all the best and the time to rest.”

Jimmy Dijk of the SP described the move as “intense but brave,” and praised Omtzigt’s impact on countless urgent issues. “He did so much for parents and children in the benefits scandal. For people dealing with the WIA, problems with the UWV, long COVID, and so many topics that affect people deeply—precisely when politics is needed most. I wish you all the best.”

Inside NSC, colleagues expressed gratitude and sadness. MP Olger van Dijk thanked Omtzigt “for your brilliant ideas, political insight, and mentoring of MPs. The Kamer is losing a passionate member.” Agnes Joseph added, “Many thanks for everything, Pieter Omtzigt!”

Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp expressed “deep respect” for Omtzigt’s decision to choose his health and family. “I am determined to help carry forward the enormous work he has done. All support to Nicolien van Vroonhoven.”

Minister of the Interior Judith Uitermark said, “I will miss you! Political The Hague loses a unique voice through your departure. We will firmly hold on to your persistence and your ideas. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Pieter!”

In a final message on X, Van Vroonhoven addressed her former colleague directly: “Dear Pieter, after everything we’ve politically experienced together these past three years, this is incredibly hard for me.”