Sophie in ‘t Veld, leader of the D66 in the European Parliament, has dropped her party membership after more than thirty years and switched to the Volt. Di ‘t Veld missed European action on the D66 and complained about the way the problem of transgressive behavior was handled.
In explaining its decision, In ‘t Veld wrote that D66 was “Europe’s party”, but that in recent years European feelings were “trapped in abstract idealism”.
“My enthusiasm for Europe has not diminished,” continues In ‘t Veld. “It was from my European beliefs that I joined the Volt.”
The politician also said that apart from political issues, “moral issues are very heavy”. “In recent years I have had to observe how transgressive behavior in our party is not adequately addressed, how victims are left alone and how newly established structures to guarantee a safe work environment fail in practice.”
“I have tried many times and continuously to raise this issue, but still no meaningful response.” It is not clear what exactly MEP means.
He will continue as an independent member of the European Parliament for the time being.
Several incidents on the D66 in 2022
In the spring of 2022, the issue of transgressive behavior occurred in the parliamentary group D66. In ‘t Veld then clashed with Samira Rafaela, the only member of his party in the D66 party. Employees complained about Rafaela’s abuse of power and bullying.
In addition, the Dutch D66 department had to deal with the MeToo affair surrounding Frans van Drimmelen at around the same time. The party figure has been accused of abuse of power and sexual harassment, but has denied this. He admitted that he had done “stupid things”, such as having an extramarital relationship with an employee of the national party bureau.
Party leader Sigrid Kaag, who admitted knowledge of his year-long affair, was heavily criticized for his handling of the matter. This incident hurt the party even more, because D66 under Kaag made women’s rights an important point in the 2021 election.
Party chairman Victor Everhardt van regretted In ‘t Veld’s departure. Kaag called it “the end of a long period”. “There is still a lot of work to be done in Europe: in the area of further democratization, cooperation and a radical course for Europe. D66 will continue to work on this from The Hague and Brussels.”
There will be another European Parliament election in 2024. It is still unclear what In ‘t Veld will do.
“Hipster-friendly creator. Music guru. Proud student. Bacon buff. Avid web lover. Social media specialist. Gamer.”
