After more than seven months since the elections, which saw the even- straight party gain considerable ground, a fresh government has taken office in the Netherlands. The previously appointed Prime Minister, Dick Schoof, along with 15 different ministries, were sworn in by Dutch King Willem- Alexander on Tuesday.
Mark Rutte will be replaced as prime minister by Dick Schoof, a former mind of French knowledge who was unaffiliated with any political party and who was not in the November election.
The 14-year tenure of the preceding Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, is come to an end with the formation of this right-leaning coalition government. The swearing-in ceremony marked the country’s first official transition to electricity and the start of a new political era.
Geert Wilders ‘ Party for Freedom, which secured the most votes in last year’s votes, led the coalition agreements that lasted 223 time. Although Wilders did not became prime minister due to criticism from his colleagues, his party’s influence is evident in the new administration’s policies. The partnership includes Rutte’s middle- proper Person’s Party for Freedom and Democracy, the nationalist Farmer Citizen Movement, and the moderate New Social Contract group.
The government’s deal, titled” Hope, fortitude and pride”, introduces rigorous measures on asylum- seekers, eliminates family reconciliation for refugees, and aims to reduce the number of foreign students in the Netherlands. Both opposition groups and the coalition have already voiced opposition against these measures.
In spite of Wilders ‘ earlier pro-Russia statements, the new government and new defense minister Ruben Brekelmans stated that it is still committed to supporting Ukraine. The East poses the greatest threat, according to Schoof. And I might be more concerned than most people.
Political youth organizations are already calling for a softer approach to asylum plans in opposition to the new government’s immigration policies, along with youth organizations from six parties, including two coalition partners. Eva Brandemann, chairperson of the New Social Contract’s youth wing also said,” Although the influx must be limited, it is of great importance that we receive people here fairly and with dignity”.
The coalition agreement also proposes nearly 1 billion euros in cuts to the country’s education budget, prompting resistance from universities. Leiden University professor Nivja de Jong claimed that the cuts would prevent students from receiving the high-quality education they deserve. In response to the proposed budget cuts, she and other academics are holding discussions to highlight the value of their work.
The new government will spend the summer putting together a comprehensive governing plan from its coalition agreement.
