Most political parties in Drenthe responded positively to the nomination of Agnes Mulder as the king’s new commissioner in Drenthe. Her Drenthe background, experience in The Hague and sense of entrepreneurship are particularly well received by her colleagues.
The 52-year-old Assense is no stranger to Drenthe politics. Between 2003 and 2010 she sat for the CDA in the Provincial Council. Before that, she was a councilor and faction leader of the CDA in the Asser municipal council for many years. Although she was born in Hardenberg, she has lived in the provincial capital for many years.
Willem Vossebeld, leader of the largest party in Drenthe, the BBB, sees this as a big plus. “She is from Drenthe and knows what is going on. Based on what I have seen of her, she seems like the right person for this place.”
VVD faction leader Cees Vianen also shares that enthusiasm. “This is an excellent candidate. A real Drenthe. We are very pleased with this choice.”
According to BBB’er Vossebeld, Mulder’s experience in The Hague is a great advantage. She sat in the House of Representatives from 2012 to 2023. “With her background, she can be the link between Drenthe and The Hague. And that is exactly what Drenthe needs now.”
That is also what former VVD MP Erik Ziengs emphasizes, who worked with Mulder for years. “Agnes knows both the interests of The Hague and Drenthe. She knows how to bring people together and is the right person to ensure that Drenthe gets a foot in the door in The Hague.”
Mulder’s own CDA is very pleased with the appointment of Agnes Mulder. Party leader Bart van Dekken says he is proud that a CDA member has emerged as the best candidate.
“Agnes can stand above the parties like no other,” he emphasizes. “She has a lot of experience in The Hague and in business. She knows what is going on, also outside politics.”
Van Dekken expects Mulder to utilize those qualities. “It is not an easy job. In a time of rising populism and polarization, she must continue to connect people. But I have every confidence that she will succeed. She can build on the good work that Jetta Klijnsma has done.”
The reactions are not only positive on the right, but also among parties on the left of the political spectrum. PvdA faction leader Hendrikus Loof even raises his arms when Mulder’s name is announced. “That’s enough,” he responds. “We are satisfied with this nomination.”
“She has a great track record,” Loof continues. “Moreover, she is approachable and accessible. And it is nice that a Drenthe woman comes to this place.”
However, some parties also express cautious concerns, including Forum for Democracy.
“In the House of Representatives she supported measures that we completely disagree with, such as climate policy,” says Liesbeth Nissink. “We want her to really be above the parties here. If that turns out not to be the case, we will make that clear.”
At Mulder’s current employer, VNO-NCW Noord, her impending departure comes as a surprise. Since 2023, Mulder has been active as director of VNO-NCW MKB Noord.
“We did not see this coming, but that is logical, because these types of procedures are confidential,” says Sieger Dijkstra, chairman of VNO-NCW Noord. “It is a loss for us, but a great opportunity for Agnes.”
“It is good news that Drenthe will have a commissioner who understands entrepreneurship and politics. Not many politicians have that profile. I am confident that she will do an excellent job.”