Investigation is a ‘stab in the back’, ex-MP speaker says

Vera Bergkamp explains to reporters the decision to investigate Arib. Photo: Bert Mart ANP

An investigation has been launched between current chairman Vera Bergkamp and her predecessor Khadijah Alib on allegations that Alib created a “dangerous working environment” while she was at work After it was revealed, a big controversy erupted in parliament.

Arib first learned about the investigation sparked by two anonymous letters after it was leaked to the NRC newspaper. She describes the investigation, which is run by an independent agency, as a betrayal.

Alib, now a Labor MP, was Speaker of Parliament from 2016 to April 2021. replaced by Bergkamp, D66 MP, after the new coalition stopped supporting her.Since then, Bergkamp has considerable criticism for her lack of authority when chairing the debate.

Bergkamp told reporters on Thursday that the decision to investigate Arib was unanimously agreed by parliament’s governing body, the Presidium, based on a preliminary investigation by government legal advisers. He said he was sorry it leaked via the NRC.

Meanwhile, Alib says he will do not cooperate with inquiries“When I was president, Congress asked me to reorganize the House of Representatives. We will be implementing changes that are not necessary.”

RTL Political Correspondent Fritz Wester said controversy Criticisms center on Arib’s way of working as chairman and his hiring of legal counsel as “going too far”.

“We are aware of reports that Alib is very demanding…but if people feel she was too tough or unfairly missed a promotion…you really better, You can solve this in a more adult way.