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Sint Constantijn Omroepvereniging
Monday, 4th of July, 2022
8:00 AM
Ex-Chancellor Christian Floran Stan van Bunschoten dies, aged 97
Former conservative Chancellor Christian Floran Stan van Bunschoten has died 'peacefully' after suffering from a stroke at his residence in central Saint-Constantin.
Current Chancellor Johannes van der Capellen described him as a "a man who defined Aubervijr for decades, and will continue to do so for many decades to come", and offered his condolences to his family.
Van Bunschoten served as Chancellor from 1978 until 1990, and is one of the most influential Chancellors ever, loved by the people for his values and the way he stood up for the working class.
He refused the offer of a state funeral in his will, instead asking to be buried with his wife in a quiet ceremony. The ceremony, however, will be conducted with full military honours in nine days, in Saint Paul's Church, within his birth-town of Marum.
The Aubervijan flag was lowered to half-mast over the Chancellor's Residence, as well as over the President's Residence and the Houses of Parliament. Parliament has been recalled by the President in order to pay tribute, and will meet at noon today.
Christian van Bunschoten was born Samuel Christian Floran Stan van Bunschoten II on the 13th of May, 1925 to a wealthy, yet ill father Samuel I and his mother, Elise. Samuel Sr suddenly had taken ill with meningitis two days before Van Bunschoten birth and he died hours after he was born. Elise named Christian after Samuel, as per his wishes but couldn't bring herself to call him Samuel, so instead called him Christian.
Van Bunschoten studied mathematics at the University of Minnertsga, where he met who would become the first woman Chancellor of Aubervijr, Anneliese Rentmeester, who also studied mathematics there, however studied other subjects later on. Anneliese would later go on to become Chancellor, and Van Bunschoten would serve under her for 12 years - and 6 years as her depute.
Van Bunschoten married Margaretha Loman, a descendant of 19th-century Chancellor Sepp Loman, in 1938. Margaretha gave birth to twins, Eduard and Mila, however the couple divorced in 1943. Van Bunschoten then married Hendrika Anholts in 1945, and they had three children - Steven, Antonie and Sanne.
He thereafter graduated as a barrister, and in 1954 was invited to sit as a conservative MP, which he did until his retirement from politics following the 1990 general election.
Having prior served as secretary for business under Anneliese Rentmeester for 6 years, and then as her depute in her second term, he successfully won the party leadership elections of 1978, beating MP Jan Doorn. He then won the general election in the same year, and then won re-election in 1984. Anneliese would die in 1982 from cancer, at the age of 61, and Van Bunschoten attended her funeral, describing her as a teacher and friend, and added "she was much smarter than I will ever be".
Gerard Lucas Bezuidenhout, who replaced Van Bunschoten following the completion of his second term and subsequent retirement, described Van Bunschoten as a wise and passionate man, who stood up for what he believed in and did so with ferocious competency.
He was well liked by the public for helping the working class throughout his tenure, and was described by left-wing MPs as "the best of a bad bunch". Despite facing heavy criticism from inside his party at several points during his tenure, he always managed to keep the party united.
In his last public interview, conducted in March 2014, Van Bunschoten stated that he no longer supported the Conservative Party after a string of controversies associated with the party, and admitted to voting for the Republican Party, a moderate split from the party in the 2008 elections.
He stated he would be voting for them again in the 2014 elections that were in June, and suffered heavy criticism from Conservative Party loyalists, despite being one of the main reasons the Conservative Party continued to gain traction.
He criticised the Social Democratic Party's motion to ban parties they deemed "extremist", calling it a violation of the rights of a citizen in 2021, and urged Parliament not to pass the bill - which was his final public statement.
He died aged 97, which is the oldest a Chancellor has ever been. His lifestyle, especially as he first became Chancellor, involved heavy smoking and a dram of whiskey with lunch and champagne in the evenings, but he later smoked cigars instead of cigarettes as he grew older.
Following the death of his wife Hendrika in 2010, when she was 83, Van Bunschoten stayed positive, remarking to Sanne that "Hendrika wouldn't want me to mourn" - and was determined to live as long as he possibly could, which is safe to say, he did well.
Sint Constantijn Omroepvereniging
Monday, 4th of July, 2022
8:00 AM
Ex-Chancellor Christian Floran Stan van Bunschoten dies, aged 97
Former conservative Chancellor Christian Floran Stan van Bunschoten has died 'peacefully' after suffering from a stroke at his residence in central Saint-Constantin.
Current Chancellor Johannes van der Capellen described him as a "a man who defined Aubervijr for decades, and will continue to do so for many decades to come", and offered his condolences to his family.
Van Bunschoten served as Chancellor from 1978 until 1990, and is one of the most influential Chancellors ever, loved by the people for his values and the way he stood up for the working class.
He refused the offer of a state funeral in his will, instead asking to be buried with his wife in a quiet ceremony. The ceremony, however, will be conducted with full military honours in nine days, in Saint Paul's Church, within his birth-town of Marum.
The Aubervijan flag was lowered to half-mast over the Chancellor's Residence, as well as over the President's Residence and the Houses of Parliament. Parliament has been recalled by the President in order to pay tribute, and will meet at noon today.
Christian van Bunschoten was born Samuel Christian Floran Stan van Bunschoten II on the 13th of May, 1925 to a wealthy, yet ill father Samuel I and his mother, Elise. Samuel Sr suddenly had taken ill with meningitis two days before Van Bunschoten birth and he died hours after he was born. Elise named Christian after Samuel, as per his wishes but couldn't bring herself to call him Samuel, so instead called him Christian.
Van Bunschoten studied mathematics at the University of Minnertsga, where he met who would become the first woman Chancellor of Aubervijr, Anneliese Rentmeester, who also studied mathematics there, however studied other subjects later on. Anneliese would later go on to become Chancellor, and Van Bunschoten would serve under her for 12 years - and 6 years as her depute.
Van Bunschoten married Margaretha Loman, a descendant of 19th-century Chancellor Sepp Loman, in 1938. Margaretha gave birth to twins, Eduard and Mila, however the couple divorced in 1943. Van Bunschoten then married Hendrika Anholts in 1945, and they had three children - Steven, Antonie and Sanne.
He thereafter graduated as a barrister, and in 1954 was invited to sit as a conservative MP, which he did until his retirement from politics following the 1990 general election.
Having prior served as secretary for business under Anneliese Rentmeester for 6 years, and then as her depute in her second term, he successfully won the party leadership elections of 1978, beating MP Jan Doorn. He then won the general election in the same year, and then won re-election in 1984. Anneliese would die in 1982 from cancer, at the age of 61, and Van Bunschoten attended her funeral, describing her as a teacher and friend, and added "she was much smarter than I will ever be".
Gerard Lucas Bezuidenhout, who replaced Van Bunschoten following the completion of his second term and subsequent retirement, described Van Bunschoten as a wise and passionate man, who stood up for what he believed in and did so with ferocious competency.
He was well liked by the public for helping the working class throughout his tenure, and was described by left-wing MPs as "the best of a bad bunch". Despite facing heavy criticism from inside his party at several points during his tenure, he always managed to keep the party united.
In his last public interview, conducted in March 2014, Van Bunschoten stated that he no longer supported the Conservative Party after a string of controversies associated with the party, and admitted to voting for the Republican Party, a moderate split from the party in the 2008 elections.
He stated he would be voting for them again in the 2014 elections that were in June, and suffered heavy criticism from Conservative Party loyalists, despite being one of the main reasons the Conservative Party continued to gain traction.
He criticised the Social Democratic Party's motion to ban parties they deemed "extremist", calling it a violation of the rights of a citizen in 2021, and urged Parliament not to pass the bill - which was his final public statement.
He died aged 97, which is the oldest a Chancellor has ever been. His lifestyle, especially as he first became Chancellor, involved heavy smoking and a dram of whiskey with lunch and champagne in the evenings, but he later smoked cigars instead of cigarettes as he grew older.
Following the death of his wife Hendrika in 2010, when she was 83, Van Bunschoten stayed positive, remarking to Sanne that "Hendrika wouldn't want me to mourn" - and was determined to live as long as he possibly could, which is safe to say, he did well.
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Eemshaven Broadcasting Association
Saturday, 6th of October, 2023
Former government minister Calvin Faber jailed for six and a half years
Calvin Faber has been sentenced to six years and six months in prison after he was found guilty of corruption and tax evasion charges in court.
Eemshaven Police first began investigating Faber in September of 2017. At this time, Faber was serving as Minister for Transport in Rudolf Verstege’s Conservative government. Verstege was already suspicious of Faber, but was initially unaware of the police investigation until January 2020, when Verstege chose to suspend Faber.
Faber’s bank account received eight payments of 125,000 kruijns from June 2014 to January 2020, adding up to around 1,000,000 kruijns in total. These transactions were unexplained and were not part of his salary, and were deemed ‘suspicious’. These payments were revealed to have come from Josep Baas, a businessman, and a member of the Liberal Party.
Following Faber’s suspension from Parliament, a number of allegations came forward from MPs, accusing Faber of bribery and blackmail. The Commonwealth Revenue and Customs Service (CMRC) then opened a separate investigation into Faber, on grounds of tax evasion.
The CMRC visited Faber’s residence three times, and Faber started to pay his taxes following these visits, however he did not pay the money he owed prior.
However, the investigation into Faber’s crimes was postponed by Verstege, and was resumed by Chancellor Johannes van der Capellen after the Conservative Party lost the 2020 election. Police had to start from scratch with their investigation, and further inquiries dismissed Verstege as a possible suspect in the scandal that was unfolding.
Faber was first arrested in December of 2021, and was released on the condition he attended a number of court hearings, and was charged with tax evasion, bribery, blackmail and various other corruption charges, alongside Baas. Faber pleaded not guilty, and his court dates were delayed until January of 2023.
Faber’s appeal for a suspended sentence was rejected, and he was subsequently sentenced to six and a half years in prison. Faber has also been barred from ever returning to a position of power within Aubervijan politics, and several Conservative MPs have since resigned/been suspended due to their involvement with the scandal. Baas pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years in prison, but could be released after a year and a half if his behaviour in prison is good.
Chancellor Van der Capellen has praised the outcome, stating that Aubervijr will not stand for, nor cooperate with corruption. Faber and Baas have been described as a ‘ring’ which infected Aubervijan politics. Van der Capellen made it clear that corruption will never go unpunished, and corruption always be found out, one way or another.
Saturday, 6th of October, 2023
Former government minister Calvin Faber jailed for six and a half years
Calvin Faber has been sentenced to six years and six months in prison after he was found guilty of corruption and tax evasion charges in court.
Eemshaven Police first began investigating Faber in September of 2017. At this time, Faber was serving as Minister for Transport in Rudolf Verstege’s Conservative government. Verstege was already suspicious of Faber, but was initially unaware of the police investigation until January 2020, when Verstege chose to suspend Faber.
Faber’s bank account received eight payments of 125,000 kruijns from June 2014 to January 2020, adding up to around 1,000,000 kruijns in total. These transactions were unexplained and were not part of his salary, and were deemed ‘suspicious’. These payments were revealed to have come from Josep Baas, a businessman, and a member of the Liberal Party.
Following Faber’s suspension from Parliament, a number of allegations came forward from MPs, accusing Faber of bribery and blackmail. The Commonwealth Revenue and Customs Service (CMRC) then opened a separate investigation into Faber, on grounds of tax evasion.
The CMRC visited Faber’s residence three times, and Faber started to pay his taxes following these visits, however he did not pay the money he owed prior.
However, the investigation into Faber’s crimes was postponed by Verstege, and was resumed by Chancellor Johannes van der Capellen after the Conservative Party lost the 2020 election. Police had to start from scratch with their investigation, and further inquiries dismissed Verstege as a possible suspect in the scandal that was unfolding.
Faber was first arrested in December of 2021, and was released on the condition he attended a number of court hearings, and was charged with tax evasion, bribery, blackmail and various other corruption charges, alongside Baas. Faber pleaded not guilty, and his court dates were delayed until January of 2023.
Faber’s appeal for a suspended sentence was rejected, and he was subsequently sentenced to six and a half years in prison. Faber has also been barred from ever returning to a position of power within Aubervijan politics, and several Conservative MPs have since resigned/been suspended due to their involvement with the scandal. Baas pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years in prison, but could be released after a year and a half if his behaviour in prison is good.
Chancellor Van der Capellen has praised the outcome, stating that Aubervijr will not stand for, nor cooperate with corruption. Faber and Baas have been described as a ‘ring’ which infected Aubervijan politics. Van der Capellen made it clear that corruption will never go unpunished, and corruption always be found out, one way or another.
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Eemshaven Broadcasting Association
30th of November, 2023
Former President Olivier Stoepker dies aged 89
Former President of Aubervijr, Olivier Stoepker, has died in Eemshaven General Hospital (EGH) on Wednesday night, his family have announced. A statement by the Stoepker family read;
“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Olivier Cley Theodore Stoepker. He died peacefully in EGH surrounded by family late on Wednesday night. Please respect our privacy at this difficult time. Thank you.”
The family also paid tribute to Mr Stopeker’s achievements, and confirmed plans for memorials in both his hometown of Piaam and Eemshaven.
Mr Stoepker served as President from 1990 to 2002, having failed twice to become Chancellor, losing in both the 1978 and 1984 elections.
Former Chancellor, Gerard Bezuidenhout, who served at the same time as Mr Stoepker’s tenure, made a rare statement, saying Mr Stoepker was “a great man” and added that he will miss his “dear friend”. Mr Bezuidenhout has been living in recluse since his retirement in 2008 due to health concerns.
Mr Stoepker led the Liberal Party from 1978 to 1984. Mr Stoepker promised his party that they would be the dominant party in Parliament by 1984, but after losing seats following the 1984 elections, he resigned.
In 1990, he was elected as President by the Houses of Parliament, with his running mate becoming the first ever woman Vice President - Manon Thijssen.
In a statement, Mrs Thijssen said that Mr Stopeker was “a warm and kind gentleman who always put others before himself”. She added; “What’s more, Olivier was my friend for many years. He took the time to listen to me when nobody else did, and I can never thank him enough”.
Chancellor Johannes van der Capellen and current President Coenraad van Rijckevorsel have joined in offering their condolences. In a statement, Mr Van der Capellen said “Mr Stoepker was a brilliant, inspirational man. Although we did not always see eye to eye, my respect for Mr Stoepker is unwavering, and I offer my deepest condolences to his family”.
Mr Van Rijckevorsel made a separate statement, where he said “Every politician should aspire to be like Mr Stoepker. Even in the hardest of times, he always wore a warm smile. He was a strong leader, and Aubervijr will never forget him.”
Mr Stoepker retired from politics following the expiration of his second term in 2002, and lived a relatively quiet life with his family. He is known to have suffered from Alzheimer’s, but his family have not yet confirmed his cause of death.
30th of November, 2023
Former President Olivier Stoepker dies aged 89
Former President of Aubervijr, Olivier Stoepker, has died in Eemshaven General Hospital (EGH) on Wednesday night, his family have announced. A statement by the Stoepker family read;
“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Olivier Cley Theodore Stoepker. He died peacefully in EGH surrounded by family late on Wednesday night. Please respect our privacy at this difficult time. Thank you.”
The family also paid tribute to Mr Stopeker’s achievements, and confirmed plans for memorials in both his hometown of Piaam and Eemshaven.
Mr Stoepker served as President from 1990 to 2002, having failed twice to become Chancellor, losing in both the 1978 and 1984 elections.
Former Chancellor, Gerard Bezuidenhout, who served at the same time as Mr Stoepker’s tenure, made a rare statement, saying Mr Stoepker was “a great man” and added that he will miss his “dear friend”. Mr Bezuidenhout has been living in recluse since his retirement in 2008 due to health concerns.
Mr Stoepker led the Liberal Party from 1978 to 1984. Mr Stoepker promised his party that they would be the dominant party in Parliament by 1984, but after losing seats following the 1984 elections, he resigned.
In 1990, he was elected as President by the Houses of Parliament, with his running mate becoming the first ever woman Vice President - Manon Thijssen.
In a statement, Mrs Thijssen said that Mr Stopeker was “a warm and kind gentleman who always put others before himself”. She added; “What’s more, Olivier was my friend for many years. He took the time to listen to me when nobody else did, and I can never thank him enough”.
Chancellor Johannes van der Capellen and current President Coenraad van Rijckevorsel have joined in offering their condolences. In a statement, Mr Van der Capellen said “Mr Stoepker was a brilliant, inspirational man. Although we did not always see eye to eye, my respect for Mr Stoepker is unwavering, and I offer my deepest condolences to his family”.
Mr Van Rijckevorsel made a separate statement, where he said “Every politician should aspire to be like Mr Stoepker. Even in the hardest of times, he always wore a warm smile. He was a strong leader, and Aubervijr will never forget him.”
Mr Stoepker retired from politics following the expiration of his second term in 2002, and lived a relatively quiet life with his family. He is known to have suffered from Alzheimer’s, but his family have not yet confirmed his cause of death.
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Harlingen Broadcasting Association
Wiebe Groeneveld resigns as leader of Labour Party
10th of June, 2024
9:37 AM
Wiebe Groeneveld has resigned as leader of the Labour Party, which he has led since 2015.
Mr Groeneveld released a statement this morning, which read; “I have decided to resign as the Labour Party’s leader with immediate effect. It was a hard decision to make, but I feel it is the right one. I will continue to serve an MP, and will not leave the party. I have dedicated my career to this party and I do not intend to stop now.”
He added; “I need to do what I feel is right, not just for myself, but for my family and the party. I feel it is the right time for me to take a step back and now focus on the community I represent in parliament.”
Mr Groeneveld’s depute, Andries ‘Dries’ Hoogstraten, will assume leadership of the party until a leadership election is held, which is currently being scheduled.
Rumours surrounding Mr Groeneveld’s resignation have been circulating for months. However, the Harlingen Broadcasting Association’s political editor, Heidi Kamp, reported that he was not intending to resign before the upcoming 2027 election.
His resignation follows the midterm polls, which occurred in April, earlier this year. Labour lost out to the Social Democrats across the country and saw their biggest decrease in popularity since 2009.
Mr Groeneveld added that Labour would need a new leader to repair the party’s relationship with the Aubervijan people, adding that he was no longer capable and had simply run out of energy.
Two MPs have currently been nominated to succeed Mr Groeneveld; Claes Jorissen and Hilda Kerckhoff. Mr Jorissen is an experienced Labour MP who was sitting as an MP since the 1990s. Ms Kerckhoff is a younger and somewhat less experienced politician. Most of her nominations come from the younger members of the party, who think Ms Kerckhoff can lead the party into a new era.
Mr Hoogstraten was also nominated, however he turned down the opportunity.
The party will hold a ballot to formally elect their new leader, with the vote due to close on the 20th of June.
Mr Groeneveld’s decision to resign has been met with mixed reactions across the party. A Labour spokesperson said that ‘Wiebe’s leadership will be missed’, whilst another said stepping down was ‘a hard decision, but the right decision’.
Mr Jorissen has already confirmed he will be standing in the leadership election. There is a distinct possibility that Ms Kerckhoff could remove herself from the election and instead back Mr Jorissen, which would likely mean that Ms Kerckhoff would serve as the party’s depute leader.
Wiebe Groeneveld resigns as leader of Labour Party
10th of June, 2024
9:37 AM
Wiebe Groeneveld has resigned as leader of the Labour Party, which he has led since 2015.
Mr Groeneveld released a statement this morning, which read; “I have decided to resign as the Labour Party’s leader with immediate effect. It was a hard decision to make, but I feel it is the right one. I will continue to serve an MP, and will not leave the party. I have dedicated my career to this party and I do not intend to stop now.”
He added; “I need to do what I feel is right, not just for myself, but for my family and the party. I feel it is the right time for me to take a step back and now focus on the community I represent in parliament.”
Mr Groeneveld’s depute, Andries ‘Dries’ Hoogstraten, will assume leadership of the party until a leadership election is held, which is currently being scheduled.
Rumours surrounding Mr Groeneveld’s resignation have been circulating for months. However, the Harlingen Broadcasting Association’s political editor, Heidi Kamp, reported that he was not intending to resign before the upcoming 2027 election.
His resignation follows the midterm polls, which occurred in April, earlier this year. Labour lost out to the Social Democrats across the country and saw their biggest decrease in popularity since 2009.
Mr Groeneveld added that Labour would need a new leader to repair the party’s relationship with the Aubervijan people, adding that he was no longer capable and had simply run out of energy.
Two MPs have currently been nominated to succeed Mr Groeneveld; Claes Jorissen and Hilda Kerckhoff. Mr Jorissen is an experienced Labour MP who was sitting as an MP since the 1990s. Ms Kerckhoff is a younger and somewhat less experienced politician. Most of her nominations come from the younger members of the party, who think Ms Kerckhoff can lead the party into a new era.
Mr Hoogstraten was also nominated, however he turned down the opportunity.
The party will hold a ballot to formally elect their new leader, with the vote due to close on the 20th of June.
Mr Groeneveld’s decision to resign has been met with mixed reactions across the party. A Labour spokesperson said that ‘Wiebe’s leadership will be missed’, whilst another said stepping down was ‘a hard decision, but the right decision’.
Mr Jorissen has already confirmed he will be standing in the leadership election. There is a distinct possibility that Ms Kerckhoff could remove herself from the election and instead back Mr Jorissen, which would likely mean that Ms Kerckhoff would serve as the party’s depute leader.
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2025 General Election: What’s happened, and what happens next
By Anton Brands & Adam van Houten
ABV News in Harlingen & Enschede
May 1, 2025
Johannes van der Capellen’s Sociaal-Democratische Partij (SDP) has secured a second consecutive majority in the Parliament of Aubervijr following yesterday’s general election, with voters delivering a resounding endorsement of his leadership and party’s direction.
Van der Capellen, visibly elated during a late-night interview on the eve of election day with ABV’s Saskia Garritsen.
Van der Capellen praised his party’s performance while speaking to supporters gathered outside Het Kanselierhuis; the Chancellor’s official residence in Harlingen. “We stood by the people, and they stood by us,” he said, raising a glass with senior cabinet members in what observers described as a confident but humble victory appearance.
While both the Conservatieve Hervormingspartij and the Arbeidsfront gained seats compared to the 2021 election, they fell short of unseating the SDP, which retained its dominant position in the 1,200-seat legislature with 382 seats.
In a speech delivered from the Kanseliersterras just after sunrise, Van der Capellen struck a statesmanlike tone:
“I am glad the Aubervijan people have placed their trust and faith in this government. It is clear to see that we have - and will continue to - serve you, the people, to the utmost of our ability.” He went on to promise an “acceleration” of the country’s ongoing period of unprecedented economic growth, pledging continued investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and educational reform.
President Coenraad van Rijckevorsel released a brief statement congratulating Van der Capellen and the SDP on their victory, calling the result “a clear mandate” and stating that he looks forward to “continued, constructive cooperation.”
Since taking office in 2021, Johannes van der Capellen has steadily grown into one of Aubervijr’s most recognisable and respected political figures.
Born in Enschede to a middle-class family, his father a civil engineer, his mother a university lecturer, Johannes initially served as a military legal advisor, before moving into academia as a constitutional law professor. He entered politics in his late 30s, quickly rising through the ranks of the SDP thanks to his legal precision, dry wit, and refusal to engage in the kind of political showmanship that characterised the previous decade.
“Van der Capellen made his voters proud with how he ran the country,” said ABV’s chief political correspondent, Lambert Baack. “We spoke to hundreds of voters across April, and the consensus was striking: they described him as impossible to rattle.”
Van der Capellen’s first term was defined by fiscal pragmatism and social moderation. His government introduced reforms to streamline bureaucracy and reduce inefficiencies while maintaining key welfare protections, a balancing act that earned him praise from moderates across the spectrum.
He is known for emphasising “measurable progress over ideological noise”, and famously quipped that “coalitions are not dinner parties, they’re rescue missions”, a line that has since become shorthand for his no-nonsense leadership style.
Even rivals within the CH and Arbeidsfront have acknowledged his debating skills, describing his tone as “calm, sardonic, and razor-sharp”. His ability to defuse tension with subtle humour, coupled with his mastery of parliamentary procedure, has made him a formidable presence in the Huis.
Within the SDP, Van der Capellen is widely seen as the unifying force that brought the party back from the brink of fragmentation; a stabilising leader in an era that had been marked by coalition volatility and voter fatigue.
Reactions from Opposition Leaders
Reactions from opposition leaders arrived swiftly following the confirmation of the SDP’s landslide victory. Gregoor Dejaeghere, leader of the Conservatieve Hervormingspartij (CH) — now confirmed as the second-largest party in the Parliament — issued a formal statement within minutes of the final tally:
“I’d like to congratulate Johannes and his party on their comprehensive victory in tonight’s election. The electorate has spoken, and we respect that result.”
He continued: “I also want to take this moment to thank all those who placed their trust in the CH. We’ve made significant gains, and we do not take that support lightly. We will continue to stand firm on our principles of economic responsibility, national cohesion, and cultural continuity, and we will not waver in our duty to hold this government accountable.”
Dejaeghere’s tone was respectful but unmistakably resolute, signaling the CH’s intention to assert itself more forcefully over the next term as the SDP’s principal challenger.
Meanwhile, Lillian Evenepoel, leader of the Arbeidsfront, now Parliament’s third largest party, delivered her own remarks from party headquarters in Deventer. Speaking before a modest but energized crowd of supporters, Evenepoel struck a more impassioned tone:
“To the people of Aubervijr - thank you. We’ve grown in strength, in clarity, and in voice. We may not have won tonight, but we have been heard.”
“I congratulate Chancellor Van der Capellen and his party on their result. But let it be clear; this election was not a blank cheque. Millions of Aubervijans voted for change, for labour, for dignity. We will stand in Parliament with courage, and we will fight every step of the way to deliver a just economy and a fairer society.”
Evenepoel congratulating her colleagues on a strong result in last night’s elections.
Evenepoel’s speech was received with chants of “arbeid! arbeid!” from the crowd, and her party’s internal figures expressed satisfaction at their consistent upward momentum since the 2017 collapse. Analysts expect the Arbeidsfront to be a louder voice in Parliament, especially on cost-of-living and housing issues.
So, What’s Next?
With the Sociaal-Democratische Partij securing a decisive lead in Parliament, attention now shifts to the business of governance. Despite Chancellor Johannes van der Capellen’s enduring popularity and reputation for competence, the SDP has fallen well short of an outright majority. 382 seats out of 1,200 tells a clear story: voters admire him, but Aubervijr’s political terrain remains fragmented, pluralistic, and ideologically diverse.
The result is commanding but far from conclusive. Van der Capellen now faces a strategic crossroads: attempt to govern as a minority with tactical support from smaller parties, or pursue a confidence-and-supply framework that offers more predictable legislative stability without the full entanglements of coalition government.
Our political analysts believe Van der Capellen will opt for the latter; confidence-and-supply agreements with liberal and centrist parties, particularly the Centristische Messianisten, the Nationale Eenheidspartij, the Vakbondspartij, Jonge Aubervijr and perhaps Groene Beweging. All share broad alignment with the SDP on fiscal pragmatism, institutional reform, and progressive-but-measured social policy. These arrangements would allow the SDP to maintain policy leadership while securing issue-based support on major legislative packages; housing, energy, infrastructure, welfare recalibration, and beyond.
However, Van der Capellen will govern under heightened scrutiny. The Conservatieve Hervormingspartij has emerged as a resurgent force, doubling its presence in Parliament and consolidating the centre-right opposition. Meanwhile, the Arbeidsfront continues to galvanise support among the lower middle class and organised labour.
The next few weeks promise negotiations behind closed doors as Van der Capellen and his team shape their second-term agendas, form key alliances and prepare the next Cabinet. Key policy questions loom, from housing reform and continued energy independence to infrastructure expansion and welfare recalibration. With the electorate delivering a vote of confidence but not carte blanche, the Chancellor is expected to lead with a pragmatic, consensus-driven approach.
Coalition manoeuvers, cabinet shifts and legislative priorities now dominate the political conversation in Harlingen. The new government is expected to be formally sworn in before the end of the month.
The Cabinet: Who Stays, Who Goes?
Van der Capellen is yet to unveil his second-term cabinet, but our political analysts expect it to be familiar. Of course, new aspects have to be taken into account; perhaps quiet reshuffling and of course, strategic inclusion. Van der Capellen will retain key loyalists in senior positions while no doubt extending a cautious hand to allied parties who may back his minority government. The previous cabinet was broadly seen as competent and cohesive, with several ministers gaining reputations for effectiveness and discretion. Many are expected to return, while others may be moved or dismissed depending on political strategy and cooperational demands.
So, who stays?
Behind the speeches, press conferences and votes lies the quiet engine room of the SDP: Johannes van der Capellen and Wilco Faber, pictured above.
Who may be reshuffled or promoted?
New faces?
Portfolios under scrutiny?
What will the new government tackle first?
Though alliance-building will occupy much of the coming weeks, ABV’s political desk understands that several major policy areas are already being drawn up behind the scenes.
Top of the list, as stated earlier, is housing. With urban affordability continuing to strain lower and middle-income families, the SDP is expected to revive a shelved 2023 housing bill that would expand public and private development incentives while simultaneously tightening speculation regulations. A renewed National Housing Accord is expected to be tabled before summer recess.
Energy independence is another pressing issue. Aubervijr’s slow transition away from imported fossil fuels over the past decade has accelerated since 2017, but supply instability during last winter’s cold snap revealed gaps in resilience. The Ministry of Energy is likely to prioritise new subsidies for wind and nuclear capacity, alongside fast-tracked infrastructure projects in key coastal regions,
Education reform is also set to return to the floor. While the SDP’s first term focused on higher education investment, their second will likely expand support for vocational training and regional universities, with emphasis on digital skills, research innovation and rural access.
On the fiscal front, Van der Capellen is expected to maintain his cautious, balanced approach. Though pressure from the Arbeidsfront may push the government to increase spending on healthcare and pensions, insiders expect the Chancellor to hold the line on deficit targets, opting for measured social investment over sweeping overhauls.
In addition, several administrative efficiency reforms are being finalised. These include digitalisation of civil services, restructuring of interministerial councils, and potential changes to how regional funds are allocated to underperforming provinces.
None of this will be without difficulty. Even with broad policy alignment among supporting parties, Van der Capellen’s government will need to navigate a deeply fragmented Parliament, and a revitalised opposition eager to exploit any misstep.
But if the SDP’s second term mirrors the first, observers expect progress to continue, as it has done for the past four years; quiet, pragmatic and unmistakably Aubervijan.
Many parties already have their eyes set on the 2029 elections. Van der Capellen will be constitutionally obligated to step-down from party leadership, in accordance with the two-term limit. But for the next four years, Aubervijr is, once again, Social Democratic.
By Anton Brands & Adam van Houten
ABV News in Harlingen & Enschede
May 1, 2025
Johannes van der Capellen’s Sociaal-Democratische Partij (SDP) has secured a second consecutive majority in the Parliament of Aubervijr following yesterday’s general election, with voters delivering a resounding endorsement of his leadership and party’s direction.
Van der Capellen praised his party’s performance while speaking to supporters gathered outside Het Kanselierhuis; the Chancellor’s official residence in Harlingen. “We stood by the people, and they stood by us,” he said, raising a glass with senior cabinet members in what observers described as a confident but humble victory appearance.
While both the Conservatieve Hervormingspartij and the Arbeidsfront gained seats compared to the 2021 election, they fell short of unseating the SDP, which retained its dominant position in the 1,200-seat legislature with 382 seats.
In a speech delivered from the Kanseliersterras just after sunrise, Van der Capellen struck a statesmanlike tone:
“I am glad the Aubervijan people have placed their trust and faith in this government. It is clear to see that we have - and will continue to - serve you, the people, to the utmost of our ability.” He went on to promise an “acceleration” of the country’s ongoing period of unprecedented economic growth, pledging continued investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and educational reform.
President Coenraad van Rijckevorsel released a brief statement congratulating Van der Capellen and the SDP on their victory, calling the result “a clear mandate” and stating that he looks forward to “continued, constructive cooperation.”
The President gave a warm address despite his stoneface expression throughout.
A Leader Who Won the Nation
Since taking office in 2021, Johannes van der Capellen has steadily grown into one of Aubervijr’s most recognisable and respected political figures.
Born in Enschede to a middle-class family, his father a civil engineer, his mother a university lecturer, Johannes initially served as a military legal advisor, before moving into academia as a constitutional law professor. He entered politics in his late 30s, quickly rising through the ranks of the SDP thanks to his legal precision, dry wit, and refusal to engage in the kind of political showmanship that characterised the previous decade.
“Van der Capellen made his voters proud with how he ran the country,” said ABV’s chief political correspondent, Lambert Baack. “We spoke to hundreds of voters across April, and the consensus was striking: they described him as impossible to rattle.”
Policy, Pragmatism, and Power
Van der Capellen’s first term was defined by fiscal pragmatism and social moderation. His government introduced reforms to streamline bureaucracy and reduce inefficiencies while maintaining key welfare protections, a balancing act that earned him praise from moderates across the spectrum.
He is known for emphasising “measurable progress over ideological noise”, and famously quipped that “coalitions are not dinner parties, they’re rescue missions”, a line that has since become shorthand for his no-nonsense leadership style.
Even rivals within the CH and Arbeidsfront have acknowledged his debating skills, describing his tone as “calm, sardonic, and razor-sharp”. His ability to defuse tension with subtle humour, coupled with his mastery of parliamentary procedure, has made him a formidable presence in the Huis.
Within the SDP, Van der Capellen is widely seen as the unifying force that brought the party back from the brink of fragmentation; a stabilising leader in an era that had been marked by coalition volatility and voter fatigue.
Reactions from Opposition Leaders
Reactions from opposition leaders arrived swiftly following the confirmation of the SDP’s landslide victory. Gregoor Dejaeghere, leader of the Conservatieve Hervormingspartij (CH) — now confirmed as the second-largest party in the Parliament — issued a formal statement within minutes of the final tally:
“I’d like to congratulate Johannes and his party on their comprehensive victory in tonight’s election. The electorate has spoken, and we respect that result.”
He continued: “I also want to take this moment to thank all those who placed their trust in the CH. We’ve made significant gains, and we do not take that support lightly. We will continue to stand firm on our principles of economic responsibility, national cohesion, and cultural continuity, and we will not waver in our duty to hold this government accountable.”
Meanwhile, Lillian Evenepoel, leader of the Arbeidsfront, now Parliament’s third largest party, delivered her own remarks from party headquarters in Deventer. Speaking before a modest but energized crowd of supporters, Evenepoel struck a more impassioned tone:
“To the people of Aubervijr - thank you. We’ve grown in strength, in clarity, and in voice. We may not have won tonight, but we have been heard.”
“I congratulate Chancellor Van der Capellen and his party on their result. But let it be clear; this election was not a blank cheque. Millions of Aubervijans voted for change, for labour, for dignity. We will stand in Parliament with courage, and we will fight every step of the way to deliver a just economy and a fairer society.”
Evenepoel congratulating her colleagues on a strong result in last night’s elections.
So, What’s Next?
With the Sociaal-Democratische Partij securing a decisive lead in Parliament, attention now shifts to the business of governance. Despite Chancellor Johannes van der Capellen’s enduring popularity and reputation for competence, the SDP has fallen well short of an outright majority. 382 seats out of 1,200 tells a clear story: voters admire him, but Aubervijr’s political terrain remains fragmented, pluralistic, and ideologically diverse.
The result is commanding but far from conclusive. Van der Capellen now faces a strategic crossroads: attempt to govern as a minority with tactical support from smaller parties, or pursue a confidence-and-supply framework that offers more predictable legislative stability without the full entanglements of coalition government.
Our political analysts believe Van der Capellen will opt for the latter; confidence-and-supply agreements with liberal and centrist parties, particularly the Centristische Messianisten, the Nationale Eenheidspartij, the Vakbondspartij, Jonge Aubervijr and perhaps Groene Beweging. All share broad alignment with the SDP on fiscal pragmatism, institutional reform, and progressive-but-measured social policy. These arrangements would allow the SDP to maintain policy leadership while securing issue-based support on major legislative packages; housing, energy, infrastructure, welfare recalibration, and beyond.
However, Van der Capellen will govern under heightened scrutiny. The Conservatieve Hervormingspartij has emerged as a resurgent force, doubling its presence in Parliament and consolidating the centre-right opposition. Meanwhile, the Arbeidsfront continues to galvanise support among the lower middle class and organised labour.
The next few weeks promise negotiations behind closed doors as Van der Capellen and his team shape their second-term agendas, form key alliances and prepare the next Cabinet. Key policy questions loom, from housing reform and continued energy independence to infrastructure expansion and welfare recalibration. With the electorate delivering a vote of confidence but not carte blanche, the Chancellor is expected to lead with a pragmatic, consensus-driven approach.
Coalition manoeuvers, cabinet shifts and legislative priorities now dominate the political conversation in Harlingen. The new government is expected to be formally sworn in before the end of the month.
The Cabinet: Who Stays, Who Goes?
Van der Capellen is yet to unveil his second-term cabinet, but our political analysts expect it to be familiar. Of course, new aspects have to be taken into account; perhaps quiet reshuffling and of course, strategic inclusion. Van der Capellen will retain key loyalists in senior positions while no doubt extending a cautious hand to allied parties who may back his minority government. The previous cabinet was broadly seen as competent and cohesive, with several ministers gaining reputations for effectiveness and discretion. Many are expected to return, while others may be moved or dismissed depending on political strategy and cooperational demands.
So, who stays?
- Wilco Faber, Van der Capellen’s Deputy, right-hand man and most trusted ally, will almost certainly retain his position.
- Minister of Finance, Arend Bouwman, credited with managing the Republic’s strong fiscal record, is expected to retain his role.
- Minister of State for Defence and National Security, Coen Stegeman, is unlikely to be moved amid continued continental uncertainty.
- Melanie Peeters, Minister of State for Social Policy and Labour, earned praise for her reforms in worker protections and welfare optimisation, and is expected to retain her role.
- Minister of State for Culture, Sport and National Identity, Samuel Lenssen, remains a key bridge to nationalist-liberal factions and is seen as ideologically dependable. He too, is likely to retain his role.
Behind the speeches, press conferences and votes lies the quiet engine room of the SDP: Johannes van der Capellen and Wilco Faber, pictured above.
Who may be reshuffled or promoted?
- Christian Naessens, currently Minister of Trade and Industry, may be promoted to a Minister of State role, possibly taking over Economic Development or Finance in the long term.
- Jakob Stenvers, Minister of Justice, may be moved or replaced amid recent judicial controversies. Our political insiders suggest Sara Koelmans, current deputy minister to Stenvers, is the front-runner to succeed him. Another name that has been suggested is Marinus de Wilde, a former judge turned Member of Parliament. He has had extensive experience with sentencing policy.
- Sophie Molenaar, Minister of Health, could shift to a higher-profile post after deftly managing recent healthcare reforms. However, some suggest Van der Capellen wants someone experienced and loyal to keep these reforms going, indicating she may instead stay in her position.
New faces?
- Lillian Sinnaeve, currently the Presidential Envoy, has been tipped to receive a more prominent ministerial role due to her rising profile within the SDP.
- Thomas Fonteyn, a senior figure within the Vaksbondspartij, may be appointed to reflect the party’s expected confidence-and-supply alliances. Vicky Manders is a name from the Centristische Messianisten that has been mentioned.
Portfolios under scrutiny?
- Ministries such as Tourism, Sport and Media may see consolidation or reshuffling, especially as Van der Capellen pursues efficiency across government departments.
- A renewed focus on Energy and Housing could lead to expanded responsibilities or the appointment of new councils or committees.
What will the new government tackle first?
Though alliance-building will occupy much of the coming weeks, ABV’s political desk understands that several major policy areas are already being drawn up behind the scenes.
Top of the list, as stated earlier, is housing. With urban affordability continuing to strain lower and middle-income families, the SDP is expected to revive a shelved 2023 housing bill that would expand public and private development incentives while simultaneously tightening speculation regulations. A renewed National Housing Accord is expected to be tabled before summer recess.
Energy independence is another pressing issue. Aubervijr’s slow transition away from imported fossil fuels over the past decade has accelerated since 2017, but supply instability during last winter’s cold snap revealed gaps in resilience. The Ministry of Energy is likely to prioritise new subsidies for wind and nuclear capacity, alongside fast-tracked infrastructure projects in key coastal regions,
Education reform is also set to return to the floor. While the SDP’s first term focused on higher education investment, their second will likely expand support for vocational training and regional universities, with emphasis on digital skills, research innovation and rural access.
On the fiscal front, Van der Capellen is expected to maintain his cautious, balanced approach. Though pressure from the Arbeidsfront may push the government to increase spending on healthcare and pensions, insiders expect the Chancellor to hold the line on deficit targets, opting for measured social investment over sweeping overhauls.
In addition, several administrative efficiency reforms are being finalised. These include digitalisation of civil services, restructuring of interministerial councils, and potential changes to how regional funds are allocated to underperforming provinces.
None of this will be without difficulty. Even with broad policy alignment among supporting parties, Van der Capellen’s government will need to navigate a deeply fragmented Parliament, and a revitalised opposition eager to exploit any misstep.
But if the SDP’s second term mirrors the first, observers expect progress to continue, as it has done for the past four years; quiet, pragmatic and unmistakably Aubervijan.
Many parties already have their eyes set on the 2029 elections. Van der Capellen will be constitutionally obligated to step-down from party leadership, in accordance with the two-term limit. But for the next four years, Aubervijr is, once again, Social Democratic.
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