Nieuw Sociaal Contract (NSC) is seeking a new leader for the upcoming elections on October 29, with a specific set of qualifications. The party board has outlined stringent criteria for potential candidates, emphasizing qualities such as strategic strength, communication skills, empathy, and deep knowledge of politics and constitutional law.

The ideal candidate must be ‘strategically strong’, ‘communicatively rock solid’, ‘a good listener’, ‘empathetic’, ‘rooted in society’, ‘reliable’, ‘transparent’, ‘of impeccable character’ and ‘possess in-depth knowledge of politics and constitutional law’. The party also stresses the importance of adhering to principles, even under pressure, highlighting the need for resilience in the face of challenges.

While NSC is open to new candidates, the situation differs from typical interim elections where parties often quickly support the existing leader to maintain stability. The possibility of Judith van Vroonhoven, previously seen as a frontrunner, taking the lead is decreasing, with MP Diederik Boomsma also considering candidacy.

Van Vroonhoven, initially closely involved in the party’s founding and serving as parliamentary leader after Pieter Omtzigt’s departure, has expressed doubts about leading the list. Boomsma, with a background in the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), joined NSC in 2023.

Potential candidates have until midnight this coming Saturday to register. The leadership selection process comes as other parties have largely nominated their leaders from the previous election, ensuring continuity in their campaigns.