Edith Schippers:
It is with a heavy heart that I announce that I will be leaving the Senate as of January 1, 2025. I confidently hand over the chairmanship of the group to Tanja Klip-Martin, who was unanimously chosen by the group as my successor.
I have experienced membership of the Senate and the pleasant cooperation with my own faction and party as a privilege. After years of working full-time in business, it was familiar to participate in the political debate again, even if only for one day a week. After all, membership of the Senate is a part-time position that senators combine with another job. The idea behind this is that it is precisely this combination of practice and politics that creates added value for the assessment of laws for legality, feasibility and enforceability, which is ultimately the ‘core business’ of the Senate. That combination can be demanding, especially for a faction leader. Therefore, before I nominated as party leader of the VVD in the Senate, I made sure through many conversations that the combination of a fairly solid job with the faction chairmanship of the Senate is possible.
Although a challenging combination, my belief at the time was that it should be possible. Soon after being sworn in in the Senate in the summer of 2023, the Rutte IV cabinet fell. Politics has not calmed down since then. This also applies to my role as party leader, with its associated time commitment. The activities associated with the party chairmanship, in the Senate, within the party and beyond, have increased. All this means that the time required for this has become much more than I assumed in my considerations in 2022. As a result, in practice I cannot fulfill the responsibilities for the VVD and for my work as I believe they should be fulfilled.
I have adjusted my work several times in the past period to try to make things go together, but I now have to come to the conclusion that both my work and the VVD deserve better. I have therefore, with pain in my heart, decided to leave the Senate as of January 1, 2025.
I have been intensively involved with the VVD since 1993, have been a member of the main board, have been a Member of the House of Representatives for 7 years, including 4 years as deputy leader, have been a minister for 7 years and am now retiring from the Senate. I thank the party for the trust it has placed in me all these years. I have always experienced that as an enormous support. I also thank my colleagues in the Senate and wish them every success.
Edith Schippers
Edith Schippers Bids Farewell to the Senate: Politics or Part-time Puzzle?
Well, folks, grab your popcorn! Edith Schippers, the formidable political heavyweight and VVD stalwart, has decided to leave the Senate by the time the new year rolls in, and frankly, it sounds like she’s about to free up her calendar for some much-needed ‘me time.’ You know what they say: all work and no play makes Edith a dull girl—especially when managing politics feels like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope!
The Balancing Act of Politics
In her emotional announcement, Edith expressed that she has enjoyed her time in the Senate. But trust me, it’s not always sunflowers and rainbows; it’s a serious juggling act! Being a senator while trying to hold down a “real job” sounds like a recipe for a sitcom, doesn’t it? One minute you’re pondering the legality of a new law, and the next, you’re trying to convince your boss that you can fit a Senate meeting in between coffee breaks. Talk about ambitious multitasking!
Schippers joined the Senate in the summer of 2023, right when the Rutte IV cabinet decided to spontaneously combust. As it turns out, joining politics during a crisis comes with more spins than a roller coaster. And honestly, if I had a euro for every politician who thought they could ‘do it all,’ I could probably afford a front-row seat to their final act before they crash back down to reality.
“I’ve Done My Time!” – A Part-time Rant
Edith seemed genuinely torn about stepping back. After years of dedication to the VVD since 1993, it looks like she’s waving goodbye with the grace of a seasoned pro. The realization that “both my work and the VVD deserve better” is so poignant it could bring a tear to the eye of even the most hardened cynic! But then again, nobody wants a faction leader who’s half-committed, caught in a constant battle between pressing political duties and, for example, taking the dog out.
Her candid acknowledgment of the demands of her roles in the Senate versus her other professional commitments speaks volumes. It’s like she’s saying, “I came, I saw, I tried to juggle, but let’s be real: I’m not a circus act!” This kind of humility is refreshing—the kind of honesty you’d want in anyone who’s shaping laws that affect our lives. It also sparks the question: is the real challenge in politics asking the right questions instead of answering them?
The Torch Passes
Schippers will leave the throne to none other than Tanja Klip-Martin, who takes over as the successor. Now, here’s hoping Tanja has a better sense of juggling than Edith did! She might want to invest in some of those safety nets—political careers sure can be a bumpy ride, especially when the stakes are high.
As Edith bids adieu, she leaves us with gratitude—not just for her party but for every moment spent in a political arena that at times looked more like a battlefield than a debate hall. Thank you for your service, Edith. Now go treat yourself to a spa day or something—you’ve earned it!
“After all, sitting in the Senate part-time is one thing, but it’s the other job that brings the real thrill!”
So, dear readers, what do we take away from Edith Schippers’ poignant farewell? The delicate balance of personal ambition versus the demands of public duty is something everyone can relate to. A little advice? Don’t try to juggle more than you can handle, unless you’re prepared for a good old-fashioned comedic tumble!
Edith Schippers:
It is with a heavy heart that I announce that I will be leaving the Senate as of January 1, 2025. I confidently hand over the chairmanship of the group to Tanja Klip-Martin, who has been unanimously chosen by my colleagues as my successor, ensuring a smooth transition for our faction.
I have experienced membership of the Senate and the pleasant cooperation with my own faction and party as a privilege. After years of working full-time in business, it was both familiar and invigorating to engage in the political debate once again, even if only for one day a week. After all, membership of the Senate is a part-time position that senators combine with another job. The aim behind this structure is to leverage practical experience in politics, creating essential value in assessing laws for legality, feasibility, and enforceability, which is ultimately the Senate’s core business. However, balancing these demands can be particularly challenging, especially for the faction leader. Therefore, before I agreed to be nominated as party leader of the VVD in the Senate, I sought assurance through extensive discussions that it was feasible to maintain a solid career alongside my responsibilities as faction chairman.
Although a challenging combination, my belief at the time was that it should indeed be possible. But soon after I was sworn in during the summer of 2023, the Rutte IV cabinet collapsed, throwing the political landscape into turmoil. Politics has not calmed down since then. This has significantly impacted my role as party leader, which involves a substantial time commitment. The demands associated with leading the party—both within the Senate and beyond—have intensified markedly. All this means that the time required for these responsibilities has grown far beyond what I anticipated in my assessments in 2022. Consequently, I am unable to fulfill my obligations to both the VVD and my professional work to the standards I believe they deserve.
After making several adjustments to my workload in an effort to achieve a balance, I have come to the painful realization that both my professional endeavors and the VVD deserve better than what I am currently able to offer. Therefore, it is with great sorrow that I have decided to leave the Senate as of January 1, 2025.
I have been intensively involved with the VVD since 1993, having served in various roles, including a Member of the House of Representatives for seven years, where I spent four years as deputy leader, and as a minister for seven years. Now, after this long and fulfilling journey, I am retiring from the Senate. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the party for the trust it has placed in me throughout these years. This support has been immensely appreciated. I also extend my thanks to my colleagues in the Senate and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
Edith Schippers
What inspired Edith Schippers to decide to leave the Senate after her extensive political career?
**Interview with Edith Schippers: Reflecting on Her Senate Journey**
**Host:** Thank you for joining us today, Edith. As you prepare to leave the Senate on January 1, 2025, can you share what prompted this significant decision?
**Edith Schippers:** Thank you for having me. It’s certainly a bittersweet moment. After dedicating many years to the VVD and serving in various roles, I’ve come to the realization that juggling my responsibilities as a faction leader and my career has become increasingly demanding. I believe both the party and my professional commitments deserve more focus than I can offer right now.
**Host:** Balancing a role in the Senate with an outside job sounds challenging. Can you tell us more about your experience managing that duality?
**Edith Schippers:** Absolutely. When I first joined the Senate in the summer of 2023, I was enthusiastic about blending my business experience with political work. However, the demands escalated quickly, particularly after the fall of the Rutte IV cabinet. I soon understood that the combination of roles I initially thought was manageable became quite overwhelming.
**Host:** You mentioned that you’ve been involved with the VVD since 1993. How has that journey shaped your perspective on public service?
**Edith Schippers:** My time with the VVD has been immensely rewarding. I’ve held various positions, from member of the House of Representatives to minister and now senator. Each role has taught me invaluable lessons about leadership and the importance of commitment, collaboration, and community. I’ve always felt privileged to serve, and this decision is not made lightly. It’s about recognizing when it’s time to step back for the greater good.
**Host:** As you pass the torch to Tanja Klip-Martin, what are your hopes for her leadership moving forward?
**Edith Schippers:** I have full confidence in Tanja. She is talented, driven, and has the support of our colleagues. I hope she brings fresh energy to the faction and navigates the challenges ahead with grace and resilience. It’s important for her to maintain a balance too; this is no small task!
**Host:** Reflecting on your journey, what would be your key takeaway for others who might be struggling to balance ambition with public duty?
**Edith Schippers:** My advice would be to assess your limits honestly. Ambition is great, but it should not come at the cost of quality and well-being. It’s okay to step back and recognize that you can’t do it all. Prioritizing effectively is essential, and sometimes, a good old-fashioned comedic tumble is inevitable if you try to juggle more than you can handle!
**Host:** Thank you, Edith, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. Your humility and dedication to public service will surely be missed in the Senate.
**Edith Schippers:** Thank you for your kind words. It’s been an incredible journey, and I look forward to the future ahead.