Mona Keijzer gepasseerd bij BBB-leiderschap, interne strijd laait op
Den Haag, zondag, 22 februari 2026.
De BoerBurgerBeweging staat voor een groot dilemma. Henk Vermeer wordt de nieuwe partijleider, maar Mona Keijzer is gepasseerd. Ze had bij de laatste verkiezingen bijna 112.000 voorkeursstemmen. Intern heerst grote onvrede. Prominente partijleden uitten openlijk hun teleurstelling. Er circuleert zelfs een brandbrief met daarin zorg over de koers van de partij. Keijzer zelf heeft nog niet gereageerd. Bronnen melden dat ze nadenkt over haar positie. De fractie komt binnenkort samen voor een officiële stemming. Tot dan hangt de toekomst van de agrarische beweging in de lucht.
leadership change triggers internal revolt
The appointment of Henk Vermeer as new leader of the BoerBurgerBeweging (BBB) has sparked significant discontent within the party. Despite being co-founder and strategist, his selection bypassed Mona Keijzer, who secured nearly 112,000 preference votes in the last election—second only to former leader Caroline van der Plas [RTL][Volkskrant]. This decision has triggered backlash from senior figures including Gijs Tuinman and Robert van Gasteren, who argue Keijzer’s experience as vice-premier and minister makes her better suited for leadership [VandaagInside]. Their concerns were formalized in an open letter questioning the party’s strategic direction.
factional divide deepens along policy lines
Behind the leadership dispute lies a deeper ideological rift. While Vermeer and supporters like Annetje Schoolmeesters advocate refocusing on agricultural roots, others fear abandoning broader political relevance [AD][Nos]. Critics warn against becoming a ‘one-issue splinter party’ focused narrowly on rural interests [VandaagInside]. Meanwhile, Mona Keijzer reportedly favors a stronger stance on migration and identity politics, diverging from the agrarian focus championed by Vermeer and Van der Plas [YouTube]. With two of four parliamentary members—Keijzer and Femke Wiersma—returning from cabinet roles, tensions over policy priorities intensify ahead of crucial local elections.
institutional support shifts amid uncertainty
Despite growing dissent, key regional leaders have voiced support for Henk Vermeer. Rik Loeters, faction chair in Gelderland, emphasized the need to preserve Mona Keijzer’s voice within the caucus [AD]. Similarly, Limburg’s Annetje Schoolmeesters stated Vermeer deserves the chance to shape the party’s future [AD]. Internal dynamics suggest a fragile consensus forming around continuity of BBB’s founding principles, often referred to as its ‘DNA’ [Volkskrant]. Yet Florian Huiskamp, former board member, criticized the process, calling it lacking fairness due to Keijzer’s prior illness and absence during deliberations [AD]. The legitimacy of the transition hinges on upcoming procedural validation.
formal ratification looms amid silence from keijzer
The BBB parliamentary group is scheduled to meet on February 25, 2026, to formally confirm Henk Vermeer’s leadership—a step initially intended for discussion prior to sudden announcements [AD][Nos]. Until then, Mona Keijzer remains publicly silent, though insiders confirm she is reconsidering her position within the party [RTL][Volkskrant]. Speculation grows about potential defection, particularly toward the newly formed right-wing bloc led by Gidi Markuszower, composed of breakaway PVV members [YouTube]. Such a move would severely weaken BBB’s national standing, especially with municipal elections just weeks away on March 18, 2026 [Volkskrant]. The delay in Keijzer’s response fuels anxiety over imminent fragmentation.
roots and evolution of bbb under strain
Founded in 2019 amidst farmer protests, the BBB rose rapidly from one seat in parliament to dominate provincial councils, gaining 16 Senate seats in 2023 [Volkskrant]. Under Caroline van der Plas, the party expanded beyond agriculture into national governance, culminating in participation in the Schoof cabinet [Previous Context]. However, post-election losses halved their representation from eight to four seats, pressuring a return to core themes [AD][Nos]. Now, with internal cohesion fraying and electoral tests approaching, the party risks unraveling. Retaining influence in both chambers depends heavily on resolving leadership disputes before voters head to polls.