The members of the Senate elected Senator Mei Li Vos as their new Chair on October 7, 2025. Vos was one of the three candidates who made themselves available for the position. The other candidates were Tanja Klip-Martin and Ilona Lagas. The new Chair was elected after two rounds of voting. 39 out of the 75 present members voted for Mei Li Vos in the second round, and there were 3 blank votes cast.
Immediately after her election, Vos was handed the gavel by Senator Niko Koffeman (PvdD), who presided over the election as the longest-serving member of the Senate. Vos: I thank the members for their trust in me. And I thank Tanja Klip and Ilona Lagas for the exciting contest. The interim elections for a new Chair were necessary because Jan Anthonie Bruijn, who was Chair until September 5, has joined the caretaker cabinet as Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport.
Prior to the elections, the three members explained their candidacies. Additionally, the other members could ask questions.
Tanja Klip-Martin (VVD) said: With me, you will get an independent and dedicated Chair. Humor and self-reflection are essential. In response to a question from Senator Van Hattem (PVV) about leading debates, she replied: I will give the free word ample space, but as soon as that word restricts the freedom of another, I will act.
Ilona Lagas (BBB): As Chair, I will ensure a careful and timely process. The debate must always have sufficient room. In response to a question from Senator Van Aelst (SP) about possible conflicts of interest among members, she said: I will always ensure that there is clarity about the interests of members alongside their work as senators.
Mei Li Vos (GroenLinks-PvdA), who had been acting as Chair in recent weeks, said: With me, you will get an experienced Chair who gives your contributions space and ensures that we finish on time. In response to a question from Senator Nanninga (JA21) about the procedure for legislative proposals, she replied: It is up to a committee to determine how and when they want to address a legislative proposal.
The Chair and two Deputy Chairs together form the College of Chair and Deputy Chairs. According to the Rules of Procedure, two new Deputy Chairs must also be appointed. These were Mei Li Vos (GroenLinks-PvdA) and Robert Croll (D66). On Tuesday, October 14, the election of the First and Second Deputy Chair will take place. Senators can nominate themselves for this until Friday, October 10, at 12:00 PM.
