“This actually goes back to the conversation I had with you three years ago, when I said I feel more like an administrator than a professional politician. I said ‘no’ to the idea of being the party leader then, but was later urged to do so. I always felt a huge commitment to serve the public good and so I accepted that at the time. But I haven’t changed deeply,” he told the newspaper.
Criticism plays no role
Hoekstra says the criticisms he received within the party played no role in his decision. ‘There is no way. You are always criticized as a party leader. And right is right, in a number of cases it was justified. At the same time, don’t let it drive you crazy. The pressing call to become party leader is now gone. There are all kinds of young talents who can do that too. Nor is it that the party is leaderless now, as it was a few years ago. But you also have to make your own assessment, even with my wife Liselot.’
He says he is thinking about his future and wants to finish his outgoing ministry. She declined to comment on what comes next. “It’s not for now.”