Conflicts drive Konrad to leave Geert Wilders!
Ingrid Konradi, the former State Secretary for Justice and Security, announced her joining the right-wing party JA21, after leaving the PVV party led by Geert Wilders, describing the new party as "more realistic."
Konradi explained in an interview with AD newspaper that she had been looking for a new party since Wilders caused the government to fall, noting that she had engaged in sharp clashes with him during the government period, especially regarding her plan to solve the prison cell shortage crisis by releasing prisoners two weeks before the end of their sentences.
Konradi sharply criticized Wilders' proposals, saying: "I clashed with Geert over his completely dangerous and crazy plan to put eight people in one cell." She also mocked his insistence on freezing rents, saying: "It was like promising free beer, which is simply not possible, and that became clear quickly." The leader of JA21, Joost Eerdmans, contacted her and suggested she join, as they had previously worked together in Leefbaar Rotterdam. Konradi said: "What I like about the party is its realistic and pragmatic right-wing orientation."
She confirmed her desire to continue in national politics, despite feeling frustrated after the government fell, adding: "I felt like I was achieving something, then suddenly someone pulls the emergency brake, it was like you completely went off your track." And despite the party nominating Erdemans as the leader for the upcoming parliamentary elections, Konradi confirmed that she does not aspire to this role, saying: "I may attract votes, but I am not a leader. I am happy that Joost is taking on this task. Political debates are full of personal attacks, and I simply cannot enter that game. I would be the prey among the sharks."
For his part, Erdemans described Konradi's joining as a significant gain for the party, saying to ANP: "Her positions are clear, and she is driven by an internal conviction that you can feel in everything she does. Her approach to political work is strong and reliable, and we warmly welcome her to our growing party."