Tamara van Ark becomes the new minister for Medical Care and Sport. The VVD member, who is currently still Secretary of State for Social Affairs, succeeds Martin van Rijn (PvdA), who will resign as of 9 July. Sources confirm this after reporting from the Telegraph.
It is not yet known who will succeed Van Ark on Social Affairs.
After the departure of Bruno Bruins, the VVD was looking for a replacement in the department. Bruins stepped down after briefly losing consciousness during a debate. He said he was exhausted. In a search for a replacement, the cabinet came to the former Secretary of State for Health Martin van Rijn.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that he had come out with the old acquaintance, who he still knows from the reign with the PvdA, because at that time he did not see suitable candidates within the VVD who could work directly at the department.
In a response, Van Rijn said earlier in the day why he is now taking a step back. “Now that the corona crisis is moving into the next phase, it makes sense that my temporary ministry will also come to an end.”
Van Ark was previously a Member of Parliament and twice alderman on behalf of the VVD.
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