Frans Timmermans resigns as GroenLinks-PvdA leader after disappointing election results
GroenLinks-PvdA leader Frans Timmermans said Wednesday that he will resign from his role after an exit poll was released showing the left-wing party was expected to lose five of its 25 seats in Parliament. Millions of voters in the Netherlands showed up at polling places throughout the day to select the politicians to serve in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Parliament. The results will lead to a period of negotiations where parties struggle to form a governing coalition, and a new Cabinet.
Timmermans was clear in his desire to become the next prime minister, and polling released on Tuesday suggested his party could become the largest in the Netherlands. But instead of even winding up as one of the top three parties, the left-wing alliance looked likely to end up in fourth. D66 was projected to win 27 seats, the PVV to take 25, the VVD could grab 23, and CDA looked destined to be in fifth with 19 members in the Tweede Kamer.
"Of course, I'm extremely disappointed with our result, because we fought so hard for it," Timmermans told supporters gathered at a campaign party organized in Rotterdam. "We didn't succeed, I didn't succeed, in convincing enough people to vote for us," he continued.
"I take full responsibility for that. That's why I want to hand over the reins to the next generation." The 64-year-old wound up as the head of the faction during the fusion of the Green and Labour parties.
"I'm closing the door behind me, knowing that this is a movement that will continue to fight for a strong, social, and supportive Netherlands," Timmermans continued. "You provided me with so much pride, and I will hold on to that pride, whatever happens in the future."
Former GroenLinks leader Jesse Klaver is 39. Despite being his party's number two, he is not a shoe-in for the leadership position. Dilan Yesilgoz, the leader of right-wing party VVD, indicated she would absolutely not join a coalition with Timmermans. It is unlikely she would bend to work with Klaver, either. Her support may be needed to form a coalition with majority support.
When Yesilgoz was informed of Timmermans departure, she said, "I missed that. I find that very serious for him and his party. It's his choice and I'll send him a message," she told a reporter from NOS while grinning.
