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The 2006 People's Party for Freedom and Democracy leadership election was called to elect the new Leader of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy after incumbent Jozias van Aartsen announced his retirement from national politics. Mark Rutte the Undersecretary for Education, Culture and Science closely beat the Minister without portfolio for Migration and Integration Rita Verdonk and backbencher Member of the House of Representatives Jelleke Veenendaal.
After the 2006 municipal elections Jozias van Aartsen stepped down as chairman of the parliamentary party of the VVD in the House of Representatives and announced that he would not be top candidate for the next elections. The VVD leadership had consciously campaigned in the municipal election on a national ticket. The party however did not reach the set goal of 15% of the votes and actually lost 1.5% of the votes. To fill his position of political leader of the VVD, an internal election was scheduled.
Three VVD members put forth their candidacy.