Dutch parliament loses 136 years of experience as new members sworn in

Next week, the Tweede Kamer will see a significant loss of experience, with roughly 136 years of combined parliamentary tenure exiting the chamber as new members are sworn in, according to calculations by the ANP.

A total of 55 newcomers will take their oaths Wednesday, joined by 15 returning members who have previously held seats. The remaining members are incumbents continuing their terms.

The departing members collectively held nearly 178 years of experience, while their replacements bring approximately 42 years back into the chamber. Among the most experienced departing members is former GroenLinks-PvdA leader Frans Timmermans, who leaves with more than 4,700 days of parliamentary experience. NSC member Eddy van Hijum and Michiel van Nispen of the SP also have multiple years of prior service.

On average, Tweede Kamer members will hold just over three years of experience after Wednesday’s changes. At the start of the previous session two years ago, the average tenure was even lower, based on figures provided by the Tweede Kamer. Total parliamentary experience could decline further if a group of members joins the new cabinet.

Concerns over turnover in the Tweede Kamer persist, with fears that the loss of institutional knowledge may reduce effectiveness. “Knowledge of parliamentary procedures fades, and inexperienced members are less effective,” experts warn.

The longest-serving member remains PVV leader Geert Wilders, with 27 years in office. Following him are PVV colleagues Martin Bosma, Raymond de Roon, Dion Graus, and Tony van Dijck. Esther Ouwehand of the Partij voor de Dieren and Jesse Klaver of GroenLinks-PvdA rank as the next most experienced members.