Caroline van der Plas, the founder and leader of the Dutch Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), is finding her newfound political prominence attracting a different kind of spotlight – one typically reserved for reality television personalities. Once focused on representing the concerns of farmers and rural communities, van der Plas is increasingly being discussed in terms of her public persona and media appearances, a shift that some observers find concerning.
The change in focus comes as van der Plas’s BBB party has experienced a surge in popularity, particularly in the wake of the resignation of long-serving Prime Minister Mark Rutte. While polls initially showed the BBB on par with Rutte’s Liberals, the party’s trajectory has been closely watched, especially regarding van der Plas’s ability to translate protest votes into a viable governing coalition. However, recent commentary has centered less on policy and more on van der Plas’s behavior and media strategy.
According to reports in De Telegraaf, political commentator Mark Koster suggests van der Plas is increasingly behaving like a “wronged reality star.” This assessment stems from her frequent appearances on entertainment shows like Shownieuws, a popular Dutch program, and her willingness to engage in what some perceive as performative outrage. The program Shownieuws has become a new hotspot for politicians, following Jetten’s appearance, with van der Plas also making frequent visits.
Van der Plas’s background is a blend of journalism and political activism. Born on , in Cuijk, Netherlands, to a Dutch father and an Irish mother, she initially worked as a journalist covering the meat industry for Reed Business. She later transitioned to communications roles supporting agricultural workers’ associations and the Dutch Association of Pig Farmers. Her father, Wil van der Plas, was a sports journalist, and her mother, Nuala Fitzpatrick, is a retired politician with the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA).
Prior to founding the BBB in 2019, van der Plas was a member of the CDA. Her departure from the CDA followed the 2019 provincial elections and signaled a growing frustration with the established political order, particularly regarding issues affecting the agricultural sector. She successfully tapped into a wellspring of discontent among farmers who felt their concerns were being ignored by policymakers.
The BBB’s rise to prominence is inextricably linked to the ongoing debate surrounding environmental regulations and their impact on Dutch farmers. The party has positioned itself as a staunch defender of farmers’ rights and a critic of what it views as overly restrictive environmental policies imposed by the government. This message resonated strongly with rural voters and contributed to the BBB’s unexpected success in regional elections last March.
However, the question remains whether van der Plas can successfully broaden the BBB’s appeal beyond its core base of support. As The Irish Times notes, there is considerable skepticism in the Netherlands about whether she can transform the BBB from a single-issue protest party into a viable party of government. The article highlights her “gift of the gab” in both Dutch and English, but also acknowledges the challenges she faces in convincing a wider electorate that the BBB has a comprehensive vision for the country.
The criticism leveled by Koster and others suggests that van der Plas’s media strategy, while effective in generating attention, may be undermining her credibility as a serious political leader. By appearing frequently on entertainment programs and engaging in what some perceive as theatrical displays of indignation, she risks being dismissed as a populist showman rather than a substantive policymaker.
Van der Plas currently serves as a member of the House of Representatives, a position she assumed on . She also became the leader of the Farmer–Citizen Movement on . Her ability to navigate the complexities of Dutch politics and forge alliances with other parties will be crucial in determining whether the BBB can capitalize on its recent gains and play a significant role in the next government.
The situation is further complicated by the recent political upheaval following Mark Rutte’s resignation. The collapse of his coalition government has created a power vacuum and opened up new opportunities for parties like the BBB. However, it has also increased the pressure on van der Plas to demonstrate that she is capable of leading a stable and effective government.
As the Netherlands prepares for new elections, all eyes will be on Caroline van der Plas and the BBB. Whether she can overcome the skepticism surrounding her leadership and transform her party into a force for lasting change remains to be seen. The debate over her evolving public image, however, underscores the challenges faced by populist leaders in transitioning from protest movements to established political parties.
