Councilor Ina Poppen is leaving the PvdA and will continue as an independent councilor in the Borger-Odoorn municipal council. With her departure, the coalition loses its majority in the council, as Annemiek de Groot previously left Leefbaar Borger-Odoorn.
Ina Poppen cites a difference in working methods and principles between her and the PvdA as the reason for her departure. “My choice comes after a period of reflection,” Poppen tells RTV1. “I want to remain true to my own beliefs and a difference arose between me and the party.”
Poppen emphasizes that she has always tried to be visible as ‘number 2’ of the PvdA faction, but that, according to her, this was difficult. “I never really felt comfortable within the party.”
She also calls it a difficult consideration and points out internal matters that she would rather not discuss further. She has informed her party and the council that she is leaving and taking her seat with her. In the months that remain until the municipal elections, she will continue as a one-man faction ‘Sociaal Actief’. Poppen has been on the municipal council since 2022, but she does not yet know whether she will continue after the elections.
PvdA faction leader Yannick Olij is disappointed. “We are very disappointed with her decision.” There is not much we can do other than accept it.” The PvdA leader further states that he does not recognize the motivations of former party member Poppen. “I do not really recognize this clash of principles. There is a lot of room for difference of opinion within our faction and party, but there has never been much.”
Poppen’s departure not only means that the PvdA will lose a seat, but the coalition will also lose its majority. PvdA, Leefbaar Borger-Odoorn, VVD, CDA and ChristenUnie had 12 of the 21 seats in the council at the start. When Annemiek de Groot (Leefbaar) left her party last month, 11 remained. With Poppen’s departure, the majority has disappeared. “That’s annoying,” Olij admits. “It is also not nice news to convey to your coalition partners.”
Still, Olij thinks that it will not cause many problems in decision-making in the coming months. “In appearance, we have always voted fairly dually in the council. In addition, most of the period has been completed.”