# D66 and Pro Propose Ban on Political Dual Mandates New legislation aims to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure full-time political commitment. - **Source:** [NOS – Politiek](https://nos.nl/nieuws/politiek) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/8930e3c1-9993-4083-96ef-aaa9c517b6f1 ## Proposed Legislative Ban The political parties D66 and Pro have initiated a joint proposal to legally prohibit politicians from holding multiple elected offices simultaneously. Currently, Dutch politicians can combine roles such as being a member of the Tweede Kamer and a municipal councilor. This practice allows individuals to collect multiple salaries for their various public positions. ## Conflict of Interest Risks Renilde Huizenga of D66 argues that stacking roles creates significant risks regarding conflicts of interest. When a politician serves on both provincial and municipal levels, they may influence decisions affecting the same geographical area. Mohammed Mohandis of Pro emphasizes that such overlaps could lead to politicians unfairly favoring their own local municipalities. ## Time Commitment Concerns Beyond ethical concerns, the proponents argue that political roles are too demanding to be combined effectively. Huizenga notes that a Tweede Kamer membership requires over forty hours per week. Mohandis, citing his experience as a former councilor in Gouda, claims that juggling thirty hours of local work is impossible to maintain properly. ## Current Stacking Patterns The practice of stacking functions is notably prevalent among members of the PVV and Forum voor Democratie. Examples include Gideon van Meijeren, who previously held multiple roles, and Ralf Dekker, who currently serves as a Statenlid. Annabel Nanninga of JA21 also previously held three distinct political positions simultaneously before joining the Tweede Kamer. ## Opposition to the Proposal Forum voor Democratie member Milan Schenk, who currently serves as a councilor in Teylingen, strongly opposes the plan. He argues that voters should decide if a politician is performing adequately. Schenk claims to work one hundred hours per week to fulfill his dual responsibilities and feels insulted by the suggestion of incompetence. ## Governmental Stance CDA Minister Heerma, responsible for the democratic legal order, has responded positively to the initiative. He acknowledges the importance of maintaining pure relationships within democratic governance and ensuring a balanced distribution of power. Heerma supports a critical examination of dual mandates to uphold the integrity of the various layers of government. ## Path to Implementation The proposal from D66 and Pro is currently being refined before a formal submission to the parliament. Given the significant size of the proposing parties and the minister's expressed sympathy, the bill has a realistic chance of securing a majority. This would fundamentally change how political representation is structured in the Netherlands. ## Broader Democratic Implications This debate highlights a growing tension between individual political ambition and the necessity for full-time dedication to public service. If enacted, the law would force a shift toward more specialized, singular political roles. This change aims to restore public trust by eliminating the appearance of impropriety and ensuring focused governance across levels. ## Sources covering this story - https://nos.nl/l/2638225 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._