Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The New Social Contract (NSC) is leaving the Dutch government. Deputy PM Eddy van Hijum, ministers Judith Uitermark, Eppo Bruins, Daniëlle Jansen, and 4 state secretaries resign, citing Israel-Gaza policy tensions.
As HLN News reported, the New Social Contract (NSC) is leaving the Dutch government, a party spokesperson confirmed Friday evening, Aug 22, 2025. The decision follows growing tensions over the Netherlands’ response to the conflict in Gaza and Israel’s settlement policies in the West Bank.
NSC leader Wybren van Haga Veldkamp said he had faced “counter-pressure” from other coalition members while pushing for new measures against Israel. In parliament on Thursday, Aug 21, 2025, Veldkamp called for stronger action, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the expansion of illegal settlements. He proposed a boycott of products from settlements as a concrete step to show that the Netherlands stands for human rights and international law.
“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 quoted as saying by the Dutch broadcaster NOS.
What are the implications of NSC leaving the Dutch government?
During the debate, it became clear that NSC’s coalition partners, including the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), did not support these measures. The disagreement revealed a serious split within the government on foreign policy.
The New Social Contract (NSC) party is withdrawing from the Dutch government, resulting in major resignations among top officials. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Affairs Eddy van Hijum will resign. Other ministers stepping down include Judith Uitermark of Home Affairs, Eppo Bruins in charge of Education, and Daniëlle Jansen, the Minister of Public Health. Additionally, 4 state secretaries will also leave their positions.
Outgoing Prime Minister Dick Schoof, whose government collapsed in June 2025, will address the Dutch parliament on Friday evening, Aug 22, 2025. He informed House Speaker Martin Bosma about his planned statement.
Schoof should elaborate on the impacts of the NSC’s departure and the implications for the government as it approaches the next steps. As the country is about to enter a phase of political uncertainty and the task of forming a new coalition, lawmakers and citizens are watching closely.
The NSC party was founded by Pieter de Vries in 2023 with a focus on social welfare, economic reform, and improving public services. Since entering parliament, the party has played a pivotal role in the coalition government but has often been at odds with other parties over policy priorities.
Tensions grew in recent months regarding budget allocations and reforms in social affairs and public health, which ultimately led to the decision to withdraw. The government had already faced instability after losing its majority in June 2025, and NSC’s exit deepens the political uncertainty.
