Brussels – The New Social Contract (NSC) has announced its departure from the Dutch government, resulting in the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Eddy van Hijum, ministers Judith Uitermark, Eppo Bruins, Daniëlle Jansen, and four state secretaries, amid escalating tensions over Israel-Gaza policy, reports 24brussels.
On August 22, 2025, a spokesperson confirmed that the NSC’s exit follows increasing friction regarding the Netherlands’ stance on Israeli settlement policies and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The party leader, Wybren van Haga Veldkamp, expressed frustration over the lack of support from coalition partners while advocating for measures to compel Israel to adhere to international law.
In a parliamentary address on August 21, 2025, Veldkamp called for concrete actions, including a boycott of products from Israeli settlements, to demonstrate the Netherlands’ commitment to human rights. He described encountering “counter-pressure” from coalition members, highlighting the internal divisions within the government.
“I see that I cannot take sufficient meaningful additional measures” to increase the pressure on Israel. He felt limited in his ability “to implement my own policy, to chart the course I deem necessary.”
“I’m going home and writing a letter of resignation,”
he was reported as saying by Dutch broadcaster NOS.
What are the implications of NSC leaving the Dutch government?
The ongoing debate revealed stark disagreements among NSC’s coalition partners, including the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), regarding foreign policy measures related to Israel. This discord underscores a significant rift within the government.
The resignations of major officials include Deputy Prime Minister Eddy van Hijum, who oversees social affairs, alongside Judith Uitermark (Home Affairs), Eppo Bruins (Education), and Daniëlle Jansen (Public Health). Additionally, four state secretaries will leave their posts.
Outgoing Prime Minister Dick Schoof, whose administration collapsed in June 2025, is set to address the Dutch parliament regarding the implications of the NSC’s withdrawal on August 22, 2025. He has informed House Speaker Martin Bosma of his statement.
Schoof will likely elaborate on the impacts of this significant shift within the government and address the challenges of forming a new coalition amidst growing political uncertainty. As political developments unfold, lawmakers and the public are eagerly anticipating the next steps.
The NSC party, established by Pieter de Vries in 2023, aimed to prioritize social welfare, economic reform, and the enhancement of public services. Despite its pivotal role in the governing coalition, the party has frequently encountered conflicts over policy direction.
Increasing tensions over budgetary allocations for social affairs and public health reforms contributed to the recent decision to withdraw, deepening the existing political instability following the loss of a parliamentary majority in June 2025.
