The spokesperson for asylum at NSC Bommersma joins JA21
Diederik Bomsma, the 47-year-old MP, has become the latest politician to leave the NSC party, founded by Peter Omtzigt, and join the anti-immigration JA21 party. Bomsma's move came after his failed attempt last month to take over the leadership of the NSC following Omtzigt's resignation. Nicolien van Vroonhoven, Omtzigt's successor, also resigned after the collapse of the four-party coalition that included the NSC.
Boumsema had submitted his candidacy to lead the party but withdrew after facing criticism from Van Vroonhoven for his support of a more hardline approach to asylum policy and his proposal to amend international treaties, which he viewed as a means to give the Netherlands more control over its borders. Boumsema, who served as the spokesperson for asylum at NSC, believed that the JA21 party, which split from the far-right Forum for Democracy five years ago, aligned more with the "new conservative social line" that he wanted NSC to adopt.
Bomsma said in an interview with the Telegraph that the NSC has "good elements," but he added that it has not achieved enough to keep up with his vision. "It didn't have anything to offer," according to him. Despite leaving, Bomsma chose not to retain his parliamentary seat, unlike Agnes Joseph, the former NSC member who recently left the party to join the farmers' party BBB.
Eddy van Heugem, leader of the NSC, expressed his disappointment with Bomsma's decision, but respected his choice. Van Heugem said, "He found another home, and I respect that." He acknowledged that Bomsma's decision not to take his seat with him was a noble one. Another NSC member, Antje Gill Soepboer, left parliament three weeks ago to become the leader of the Frisian National Party (FNP).
The transfer of Boomsma is seen as a boost for the JA21 party, currently represented by Joost Eerdmans. This move follows the transfer of Ingrid Kwint, the former Minister of Justice in the Dick Schaefer government, to the JA21 party after the government collapsed. The party's popularity has risen since Kwint's arrival, and current polls indicate that JA21 could win between five to nine seats in the upcoming elections scheduled for October 29. Eerdmans welcomed Boomsma's joining the party, considering him a "talented MP with a deep understanding of political affairs," adding that his experience will benefit those calling for stricter immigration controls, a smaller government, and a stronger economy.