NSC members walk out during Mona Keijzer's speech at party conference: 'Luckily it's not raining outside'

The NSC party congress in Breda became the stage for significant internal turmoil after the announcement that Mona Keijzer would speak at the event. As Keijzer began her address regarding her Project 2029 initiative, dozens of the approximately 130 members in attendance walked out in protest, despite requests from acting party chairman Ronald de Bruin to remain seated. The move to invite Keijzer had already caused tensions, leading to the departure of Europarliamentarian Dirk Gotink from the party. Furthermore, a group of fifty members introduced a motion calling for the board to resign, citing the controversy and potential reputational damage caused by the invitation.

Keijzer, who is considering forming a new political movement, addressed the remaining attendees by seeking support from conservative-minded individuals. While party leaders attempted to frame her presence as merely that of a guest speaker, members expressed deep concern over a potential rightward shift or a hostile takeover of the party structure. The party remains divided as members continue to debate their political future and the potential ousting of the current board.