Three independent sources confirm that D66 has claimed the ministerial post in Finance and that the place is reserved for Sigrid Kaag, according to government parties and various ministries. D66 does not want to officially confirm the appointment. Kaag himself was on holiday the past few days.
Prominent spot
Sources confirm Kaag’s preliminary choice, but warn: Kaag has previously surprised political allies by making his own choice at the last minute. In September, Kaag left after a motion of censure. She had shared her decision to leave in very small circles beforehand. Defense Minister Bijleveld was not informed.
–
–
“If Kaag’s appointment is final, she will still opt for a cabinet post in Rutte-4, even though there are also D66 members who think she should remain in the House,” says political reporter Fons Lambie. “Almost always the second party supplies the Minister of Finance, so it makes sense that D66 claims the spot.”
Hoekstra
It is a prominent and popular spot in a politically crucial ministry. Lambie: “Predecessors such as Gerrit Zalm, Wouter Bos, Jeroen Dijsselbloem and Wopke Hoekstra were the most popular ministers in no time. For Wim Kok, it turned out to be a stepping stone to the Torentje in the 1990s.”
Wopke Hoekstra will become deputy prime minister on behalf of the CDA. He previously announced that he would join the cabinet. It is not yet known which post he will receive.
–
–
Another minister of the current cabinet will also return in the new cabinet. Kajsa Ollongen was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior in recent years, but is now the intended Defense Minister.
Final distribution
It will only become clear later who will be manning the other posts. The distribution of ministerial posts per party will be published later today, and the final distribution of names and posts will be announced this weekend. On Monday, formateur Rutte will start holding talks with the intended ministers and state secretaries.
–
–
