Boris Dittrich and Hendrik-Jan Talsma were elected as First and Second Vice Presidents of the Senate on Tuesday, October 14. They were chosen from six members who had applied for the two vacant positions.
Together with the Speaker of the Senate, the two Vice Presidents form the College of Presidents and Vice Presidents, which oversees the work of the secretariat and everything else concerning the Senates administration. The Vice President also chairs the plenary debate in the absence of the Speaker. Six members of the Senate had applied for the Vice Presidency. In addition to the two elected members, they were Tekke Panman (BBB), Theo Rietkerk (CDA), Martin van Rooijen (50PLUS), and Peter Schalk (SGP).
With the departure of Speaker Bruijn on September 5, 2025, the presidency had become vacant. According to the Rules of Procedure of the Senate, the Senate proceeds to elect or appoint Vice Presidents, even if there are no vacancies. Mei Li Vos, who was elected as First Speaker of the Senate on Tuesday, October 7, and Robert Croll had been the Vice Presidents since July 4, 2023. With Voss election, a vacancy arose, and Croll did not stand for re-election.
Impression of the election
Prior to the elections, the six members presented their candidacies. Additionally, other members could ask questions. Four candidates (Dittrich, Panman, Rietkerk, and Van Rooijen) were candidates for the First Vice Presidency. Boris Dittrich was elected after one round of voting, receiving 35 of the 69 votes cast. Three candidates (Rietkerk, Schalk, and Talsma) were candidates for the Second Vice Presidency. Hendrik-Jan Talsma was elected after two rounds of voting, receiving 37 of the 68 valid votes cast.
Boris Dittrich: I have a lot of constitutional law experience that I think will be useful when negotiating with the government or even the House of Representatives. The D66 congress decided last week to abolish the Senate, but I disagree with that. I will be flexible as Vice President where possible and strict where necessary.
Tekke Panman: It is important that the College of Presidents and Vice Presidents forms a balanced whole so that we create a complementary team. In recent years, I have consciously invested in relationships with colleagues from all factions, and as Vice President, I will be there for all factions.
Theo Rietkerk: I am happy to contribute to the proper functioning, value, and position of the Senate. I have developed into an experienced chair: independent, allowing room for debate, but I also intervene when the situation requires it. My working method is characterized by openness, reliability, and integrity.
Martin van Rooijen: I bring seniority; I have gained much experience and insights. I have a long history, but fortunately also a good future together with you. As a small faction, I have learned to work together with all factions. That has taught me how to seek support.
Peter Schalk: The supportive role of the Vice President is evident, it is also in my last name. But it is also about leadership, which involves authenticity, integrity, transparency, vision, and service. Within the CVO, with the secretariat and the supporting services, and occasionally as chair of the meeting.
Hendrik-Jan Talsma: The Senate knows well what kind of person I am. I have good contacts with many of you, no matter how different our opinions may be. Regarding the requested qualities of competence, involvement, and reliability in the profile, I confidently say: Judge, Senate.
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