After Eppo Bruins' departure
BBB to appoint new Minister of Education
The Dutch Prime Minister, Dick Schoof. Photo by the British Government, Martijn Beekman
Last week, the Schoof Cabinet fell for the second time. It fell for the first time in June, when one of the four governing parties, PVV, pulled out of the coalition. Last week, another party, NSC, withdrew as well. It all started when the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Caspar Veldkamp, resigned because he could not agree with VVD and BBB on new sanctions against Israel. Out of loyalty, all ministers from NSC, including the Minister of Education, Eppo Bruins, left the government.
On Wednesday afternoon, the House of Representatives discussed how to proceed. Outgoing Prime Minister Schoof announced that the two remaining parties had reached an agreement, establishing that BBB would take over the Ministries of the Interior and Education.
The other three ministries that have become vacant (Foreign Affairs, Health and Social Affairs) will be allocated to VVD. Schoof informed the Dutch Parliament that the names of the prospective ministers will be announced as soon as possible.
Difficult
These past few days, BBB and VVD have hinted that they would like to continue governing until a new cabinet is formed after the elections. After all, there is still plenty to do. The House of Representatives seems willing to give the two parties that opportunity, at least for the time being.
The question is whether this caretaker cabinet can still be of any significance. With only 32 seats, the cabinet is very dependent on other parties. In the Netherlands, caretaker governments are not permitted to propose anything related to issues deemed "controversial". Two political parties, CDA and D66, stated on Wednesday that they wish to review the list of controversial issues.
Nothing in the field of higher education has been declared controversial since June. As a caretaker minister, Eppo Bruins was permitted to proceed with his plans to reduce the influx of international students. Whether that will also apply to the new BBB minister remains to be seen.
Schoof may visit Twente
Meanwhile, the University of Twente announced that Prime Minister Schoof may open the academic year on Monday as planned. Activists protested against his visit, partly because of the budget cuts to higher education.
However, the university responded that 'his presence does not mean that the university or Saxion approves of this government policy. On the contrary, we are making our concerns and differences of opinion clear and constructively audible.'
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