The far-right Freedom Party of Geert Wilders has nominated five candidates for ministerial positions in the incoming Dutch government. The coalition government, led by Wilders’ PVV party, also includes the liberal VVD, conservative NSC, and farmers’ party BBB. The PVV almost doubled its seats in the November elections, and the new administration will be headed by Dick Schoof, a former head of the Dutch intelligence service with limited political experience. The ministers will need to pass a confirmation hearing, and there are still some state secretaries whose names have not been confirmed.
The PVV has put forward hardliner Gidi Markuzower for Asylum and Migration, and Reinette Klever for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. Klever has called for the abolition of development aid in the past. Dirk Beljaarts, a former hospitality sector lobbyist, will head the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Barry Madlener, a former member of the European and Dutch Parliament, will lead the Ministry of Infrastructure, and Fleur Agema, a healthcare portfolio veteran, will head the Ministry of Healthcare.
The liberal VVD has nominated candidates for four ministries: Finance, Justice, Defence, and Climate. Eelco Heinen, a former finance ministry policy adviser, is set to become Finance Minister. David van Weel, currently serving as NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Innovation, Hybrid, and Cyber, will head the Ministry of Justice. Ruben Brekelmans, a relatively unknown candidate, will take the lead on Defence, and former political adviser Sophie Hermans will become Climate Minister.
Newcomer NSC, a party with a conservative agenda, will take on Foreign Affairs with Caspar Veldkamp, a former diplomat and ambassador. Other NSC nominees include Judith Uitermark for Home Affairs, Eddy van Hijum for Social Affairs, and Eppo Bruins for Education. The farmers’ party BBB, established in 2019, will lead the Ministry of Agriculture and Nature with Femke Wiersma at the helm. Mona Keijzer, a former state secretary for Economic Affairs, will take on the Housing portfolio.
The incoming Dutch government features a mix of experienced politicians and newcomers, with a focus on issues such as asylum, trade, infrastructure, healthcare, defense, and climate. The coalition government, led by Geert Wilders’ PVV party, will face challenges in passing confirmation hearings and shaping policies that reflect the diverse interests of the participating parties. The leadership of Dick Schoof, as an independent prime minister with limited political experience, contrasts with the long-standing tenure of his predecessor, Mark Rutte. The government’s ability to effectively address key issues and govern in a cohesive manner will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers.
