Think members vote down motions criticizing leader Azarkan

The members of Denk allowed group chairman Farid Azarkan to continue. Azarkan had to defend himself during a closed members’ meeting on Saturday against accusations that he was too dominant and meddling, and that he was also involved in “eavesdropping” against Denk members from the House of Representatives faction. Eight motions were voted on during the meeting, including increasing ‘member democracy’.

Especially the last motion, which focuses specifically on the alleged role of Azarkan, caused a lot of discussion. Prior to the vote, Azarkan emotionally addressed the allegations against him. In the end, none of the motions received a majority.

F_azarkan Farid Azarkan All 8 motions rejected by a large majority. All learners were given ample time to share their critical points. Proud of the well-functioning party democracy at @DenkNL. #ALV June 4, 2022 @ 4:03 PM –


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One of the motions stated that “there is a large degree of interference from the members of the House of Representatives” and that they “push members aside”. Azarkan would consider himself “lord and master” and interfere with the composition of, among other things, lists of candidates. The drafters of the motion speak of “undermining interference” that will drive members away and could lead to Denk “sliding into a totalitarian party”. Last year, the intended leader of the Hague Think department was summoned to withdraw after he spoke critically during a dinner. It turned out that a sound recording existed. The Hague department subsequently filed a report.

Azarkan denied on Saturday that he was behind wiretapping and said he has no influence on the composition of candidate lists. According to party chairman Ejder Köse, as a young party, Denk suffers from growing pains, he said last week against the NOS† “I have the idea that resentment and disappointment also play a role here among these members. My appeal to them is: come up with proposals to change the statutes and make it more democratic.”

After the recent municipal elections, Denk will almost certainly participate in the management of Rotterdam, Schiedam and, through a tolerance construction, Helmond.

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