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On Monday, prior to the talks with his intended new ministers, the formateur already hinted that he did not expect any boasting in advance. “It is a good Dutch principle that you show it in practice,” said Rutte. The Liberal said he was “hopeful”.
The formateur spoke with CDA leader Wopke Hoekstra, among others, who is to become Minister of Foreign Affairs. Hoekstra thinks that the leadership of his party can be combined with frequent stays abroad. The combination does provide an ‘extra degree of difficulty’, he said, although he does not think that this is an obstacle to leading his party. “I think that is possible in 2022.”
‘File with major tasks’
The CDA leader praised Hugo de Jonge for his efforts as Minister of Health in recent years. He is pleased that De Jonge is returning to the cabinet, as Minister for Housing. That is a file ‘with major tasks for which I think he is very qualified’, according to Hoekstra.
Later in the day, intended ministers Dilan Yesilgöz (Justice and Security, VVD), Franc Weerwind (Legal Protection, D66), Dennis Wiersma (Primary and Secondary Education, VVD) and State Secretary Eric van der Burg (Asylum, VVD) came by. Scientist Robbert Dijkgraaf, who was elected by D66 as Minister of Education, spoke digitally with Rutte.
Yesilgöz does not want to say what she will do as Minister of Justice and Security until she is sworn in. In recent days frequently made comment that she is not a lawyer, she says she has ‘taken note’. Yesilgöz says that he especially wants to manage people well in the enormously large department. “My job is to make sure they do their job well.”
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Dilan Yesilgoz addresses the press after the conversation with formateur Mark Rutte.
Ⓒ ANP
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New impetus
D66 minister Franc Weerwind is also reticent. New impetus? According to him, people should just go and see if he brings that. Moreover, Weerwind, the intended Minister for Legal Protection, is not a lawyer either. In his defense he says that he has confidence in the expertise of his officials.
Eric van der Burg (VVD) may as State Secretary for Asylum try to be more successful than his predecessors Broekers-Knol and Harbers, while there is still a shortage of reception places. “But I’m not afraid of this job.” Next week, Rutte will also speak with the other intended ministers who must form the 29-member cabinet. Monday 10 January the cabinet will be on the platform with the king.
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Intended State Secretary for Asylum and Migration, Eric van der Burg in conversation with formateur Mark Rutte.
Ⓒ ANP
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