Published: 25 August 2025 Location: The Hague, Netherlands
In a swift cabinet reshuffle following the mass resignation of NSC ministers, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof has reassigned key portfolios to stabilize his weakened coalition. Among the most critical changes: Justice Minister David van Weel has officially taken charge of the Ministry of Home Affairs, effective Monday, August 25, 2025.
🔹 Why the Shift?
The move comes after NSC’s withdrawal from the coalition, triggered by a diplomatic fallout over proposed sanctions against Israel. Former Home Affairs Minister Ronke van der Velde (NSC) was among the five senior ministers who resigned, leaving a vacuum in domestic governance.
🔹 Who Is David van Weel?
Van Weel, a seasoned VVD politician and cybersecurity expert, has served as Justice Minister since early 2025. His expanded role now includes oversight of:
- National security and intelligence coordination
- Immigration and civil registry
- Local government affairs
- Emergency response and public safety
🔹 Coalition Under Pressure
With only 32 of 150 parliamentary seats, the VVD-BBB coalition is operating as a caretaker government until the October 29 elections. Van Weel’s dual portfolio reflects the urgency to maintain continuity amid political fragmentation.
🔹 What’s Next?
Analysts expect Van Weel to prioritize:
- Crisis management protocols ahead of election season
- Cybersecurity upgrades across municipal systems
- Restoring public trust in government transparency