In other departments the presents were more traditional. For example, the new Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren received a decoration flag and a klewang (the traditional sword of the Marechaussee).
And the country’s new treasurer Kaag got the key to the treasury through the TV screen of outgoing Minister of Finance Wopke Hoekstra. “We’re going to beam it to you on its Star Treks, if I do it right.” Hoekstra did well, and a moment later Kaag was beaming with the key in her hands. “Thanks Wopke.”
Still exciting
The only person who did not have to report for the transfer was Mark Rutte. Last year it seemed not always likely, but he remains at his post. The political survivor took the stage for the fourth time as prime minister and as of today heads a cabinet with the same four parties as for the past four years.
A piece of cake for Rutte, such a swearing-in day, you might think. But the prime minister, who has not yet served the longest, contradicted this after the first council of ministers of the new team at the end of the afternoon. “It’s a new beginning. I went to bed last night and found it exciting again.”
Rutte also discussed the very limited faith of voters in the incoming cabinet. About two-thirds of the Dutch have “not so much” or “not at all” confidence, according to a research by I&O Research. According to the prime minister, restoring confidence is “a task and an obligation” and it will be “hard work” and “above all show it”.
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