Dick Schoof, the former chief of Dutch intelligence, has been nominated as the proposed prime minister for the Netherlands’ incoming right-wing government.
The new government will be led by Geert Wilders’ nationalist Party for Freedom (PVV) and will include three other conservative parties. Although Wilders won the election, he opted out of the top role, allowing Schoof to step in as the prime ministerial candidate.
Schoof, 67, currently holds a senior position at the Dutch Ministry of Justice and has previously led the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) and the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV). In the early 2000s, he was also the head of the Dutch immigration service.
The coalition’s governing plan, published on May 16, outlines intentions to implement the “strictest-ever asylum regime” with enhanced border controls and tougher rules for asylum seekers. This position is likely to create friction with the European Union even before the government assumes office.
The prospective cabinet, which the four parties have indicated will have more autonomy from parliament, could take several weeks to finalize as the parties negotiate over ministerial portfolios and responsibilities. Once formed, Schoof will be sworn in by the king, officially becoming the prime minister.
Geert Wilders praised Schoof on social media, stating, “Congratulations Dick. Dick Schoof has a great track record, is not a member of any party and thus stands above the parties, is honest and, on top of it, very friendly.”
This new government, set to be the most right-wing in the Netherlands in decades, will adhere to the coalition agreement that seeks exceptions to EU asylum and environmental regulations. Wilders has indicated that he expects the new administration to be operational by the end of June.
In addition to his intelligence and counter-terrorism experience, Schoof has been involved in reforming the Dutch police force. However, his career has been primarily focused on domestic policies, and he does not have a high international profile. Schoof is a divorced father of two.
