Dick Schoof Becomes New Dutch Prime Minister
King Willem-Alexander Swears In New Cabinet
On Tuesday, Dick Schoof, the former spy chief, was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of the Netherlands. The ceremony was conducted by Dutch King Willem-Alexander at the royal Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague.
Schoof, 67, leads a broad right-wing coalition and has promised to implement the country’s strictest-ever immigration policy. He takes over from Mark Rutte, who will become the next secretary-general of NATO later this year.
The new government formation follows seven months of negotiations after the electoral victory of far-right leader Geert Wilders last November. Wilders, known for his anti-Islam and Eurosceptic views, stepped back from the PM role to keep coalition talks on track.
The coalition includes Wilders’ PVV (Freedom Party), the Farmers Party (BBB), the liberal-conservative VVD, and the new anti-corruption party NSC. Schoof, previously head of the Dutch Secret Service, was chosen as a compromise candidate.
Schoof has committed to implementing the coalition’s plans for strict asylum policies and comprehensive migration control. Wilders’ party secured five out of 15 ministerial posts, including trade and migration.
Mark Rutte, the outgoing PM, will take over as NATO’s chief on October 1, amid ongoing security concerns in Europe due to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
