Debbie Mathijsen to join Dutch House of Representatives

Debbie Mathijsen, the current Party for the Animals (PvdD) faction leader in the Zwolle municipal council, will temporarily transition to the Dutch House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) starting November 24. She will replace Christine Teunissen, who is taking maternity leave. Teunissen is expected to return in March 2027.

Mathijsen, who was ranked fifth on the PvdD candidate list during the October 2025 elections, will take the seat because the fourth candidate, Falco van Hassel, declined the temporary position to continue his work as a policy advisor. During Teunissen's absence, Ines Kostić will serve as the PvdD faction leader in the House of Representatives.

In the Zwolle municipal council, Thijmen Fellinger will take over Mathijsen's seat. Mathijsen has been active in local politics since 2022, focusing on biodiversity, animal welfare, and sustainability.