Deventer – Internal tensions within the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB) escalated this week as critical party members formally submitted motions challenging the party’s current trajectory and demanding a renewed effort to reconcile with former parliamentary leader Mona Keijzer. The motions, filed ahead of the general members’ meeting scheduled for March 27th, reflect a deepening rift within the party following Keijzer’s departure and the subsequent selection of Henk Vermeer as her replacement.
More than 100 BBB members initially voiced their discontent in a “brand letter” two weeks ago, calling for increased member involvement, an independent evaluation of the recent election results and a resolution to the conflict with Keijzer. The submitted motions directly address these concerns, urging the party leadership to pursue independent mediation to restore the original composition of the parliamentary faction, according to RTL Nieuws reports.
The unrest stems from the circumstances surrounding Keijzer’s exit. Henk Vermeer, now the BBB’s parliamentary leader, revealed that Keijzer had engaged in multiple, unauthorized conversations with Gidi Markuszower, leader of the newly formed Groep Markuszower, a splinter group from the Party for Freedom (PVV). Vermeer stated that this undermined trust within the party, leading to the decision not to support Keijzer’s bid for the leadership position following Caroline van der Plas’s resignation. “The trust in Mona Keijzer is ‘broken’,” Vermeer told Vandaag Inside.
Keijzer, in turn, has accused the party of a “significant breach of trust,” claiming she was promised the role of faction leader but was ultimately bypassed in favor of Vermeer. She has publicly stated she is considering her options, including potentially joining forces with Groep Markuszower, though initial attempts at a pact reportedly failed. BNR reported that Keijzer had been weighing a move to either Groep Markuszower, JA21, or the PVV.
The situation is further complicated by accusations that Keijzer sought to steer the BBB towards a more right-wing, PVV-aligned position. Sources within the party, as reported by DIT, have described her as “Geert Wilders light,” suggesting a fundamental ideological clash with other members. This perception contributed to the loss of confidence and ultimately her departure.
Despite the internal turmoil, some BBB members continue to advocate for Keijzer’s return. A brand letter circulated earlier this month demonstrated significant support for her reinstatement. Still, Vermeer has dismissed the possibility of reconciliation, citing the unauthorized contacts with Markuszower and a perceived lack of commitment to the party’s broader goals. According to RTL Nieuws, some members describe the party’s response as a “head in the sand” approach.
The upcoming general members’ meeting on March 27th is now poised to be a critical juncture for the BBB. The outcome of the votes on the submitted motions will likely determine whether the party attempts to bridge the divide with Keijzer and its disgruntled members, or solidifies its current course under Vermeer’s leadership. As of today, the BBB party leadership has not issued a statement regarding the motions or any potential mediation efforts.
