The Netherlands is set to have a new prime minister, former spy chief Dick Schoof, who is awaiting formal approval in late June or early July. While Schoof is well-known in his home country for his roles in the Dutch administration, he lacks political experience compared to his predecessor, Mark Rutte. Schoof has extensive expertise from his time as head of the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism and as secretary-general at the Ministry of Justice and Security. He is not a member of a political party, having left the social-democrat PvdA five years ago. Schoof, a 67-year-old marathon runner, is set to lead a coalition dominated by Geert Wilders’ radical right-wing Freedom Party, along with the liberal VVD, conservative NSC, and farmers’ party BBB.
Schoof has expressed his aspiration to represent all Dutch people as Prime Minister, not just those linked to the PVV party. The new government is being formed with input from the four parties, led by Richard van Zwol. The government will work on plans outlined in a document setting key steering points for the coalition. Schoof believes this agreement will allow for an “excellent” government program to benefit all Dutch citizens. When questioned about implementing the program, Schoof deferred, stating that his plans for the Netherlands are what the party leaders have agreed upon, describing the coalition agreement as “ambitious.”
Geert Wilders, the leader of the PVV party, was expected to become prime minister after the party emerged as the largest in the 2023 national election. However, the leaders of the four parties renounced ministerial posts and agreed to sit in parliament instead, leading to the selection of Schoof as a technocratic leader. Some opposition parties, such as Denk and Forum for Democracy, have expressed concerns about Schoof’s past leadership at the security service, particularly in relation to monitoring mosques and alleged spying on citizens using fake accounts. Despite these concerns, Schoof’s nomination is expected to be formally approved by the Dutch king in the coming weeks, raising questions about how a top civil servant with limited political leadership experience will manage a far-right government.
Schoof’s appointment as the new prime minister of the Netherlands has sparked a mixed reaction among opposition parties, with Denk strongly opposing the nomination due to concerns about Schoof’s previous activities at the security service. Additionally, the far-right Forum for Democracy has raised questions about Schoof’s role in alleged spying on citizens during his tenure. Despite these reservations, Schoof is expected to be formally approved as prime minister in the next few weeks by the Dutch king. The focus now shifts to how Schoof, with his background as a top civil servant, will navigate leading a government with a strong far-right presence and minimal political leadership experience.
