THE HAGUE – The Dutch House of Representatives committee for Kingdom Relations is set to lose one of its most active members. Peter van Haasen of the Party for Freedom (PVV), who has served in Parliament since November 2023, has been placed at number 43 on the PVV’s candidate list – a position widely regarded as unelectable.

Despite his short tenure, Van Haasen built a reputation as a dedicated spokesperson for Kingdom Relations, attending every committee meeting and frequently voicing opinions on social media regarding developments in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. His likely departure marks the end of an active presence in a committee often criticized as a “revolving door” for MPs.

Replacing him in the PVV ranks is Shanna Schilder, currently head of department at Kranshi in Curaçao. Positioned at number 3 on the PVV’s candidate list, Schilder is considered a strong candidate to enter Parliament and is expected to bring direct experience and knowledge of Caribbean affairs.

Van Haasen’s exit comes amid broader shifts in Dutch politics. Aukje de Vries (VVD) has already confirmed she will not return. Meanwhile, Faith Bruyning (NSC), despite climbing from number 20 in 2023 to number 10, is seen as unlikely to retain her seat due to her party’s decline in the polls. Mpanzu Bamenga (D66) faces uncertainty at number 10, while Raoul White (GroenLinks-PvdA), now at number 30 compared to 21 in 2023, is also in a precarious position. Only Don Ceder (ChristenUnie), at number 3 on his party’s list, appears reasonably secure.

Notably, the other ten parliamentary factions’ spokespersons for Kingdom Relations have remained largely absent from committee meetings, leaving a gap in consistent attention to the Caribbean within Dutch politics.