A Socialist Party (SP) member in the province of Gelderland, Eric van Kaathoven, has resigned due to his disagreement with the party allowing a local branch in Pekela, Groningen, to cooperate with former members of the far-right Freedom Party (PVV). Van Kaathoven believes this collaboration crosses a “red line” and feels he no longer represents the party's values. Despite advice from the national party board against the coalition, the local SP branch in Pekela proceeded with forming a governing college alongside the rebranded “Pekelder PVV.” Van Kaathoven argues the name change is irrelevant and believes the local branch should have been expelled. The national SP acknowledges Van Kaathoven’s departure and will discuss the extent of local branch autonomy regarding potential coalitions at the next party conference. The decision highlights tensions within the SP over engaging with parties formerly associated with extremist ideologies.