For Minister Dennis Wiersma, his transgressive behavior in the ministry does not seem to have consequences for the moment. Some MPs are critical, while ministers respond mildly to news that Wiersma is said to be yelling at his ministry and throwing doors wide open. De Telegraaf announced that Wiersma had exhibited transgressive behavior in his first year as minister. According to political journalist Sophie van Leeuwen, Wiersma is always “very friendly” in the corridors. But in his first year as minister he apparently did everything regularly ».
According to his spokesman, Wiersma’s behavior is linked to the minister’s ambitions. “But now officials are reporting it and some have even resigned. The atmosphere in the ministry seems to have been quite tense in his first year as minister. It’s not nice.’
Ambitious newcomer
According to Van Leeuwen, Wiersma’s inexperience may also have played a role. “He was new to the ministry, and I can imagine that as a newcomer you too want to bend such a ministry to your will.” Incidentally, the reports came after it became known that presenter Matthijs van Nieuwkerk exhibited transgressive behaviour. Van Leeuwen: ‘The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science also deals with the media. At the time, the ministry believed that Wiersma’s behavior should also be denounced.’
No official complaints have been made against Wiersma, who himself admits to having made mistakes. According to Van Leeuwen, the minister also asked for help. “For now, he’ll keep promising to get better and behave a little more decently.” That speaks for itself, says Van Leeuwen. “If he handled it correctly, then there’s nothing else to worry about.”
“If anyone is shouting backstage, it’s Rutte himself. ‘
Wiersma will also get that message from his colleagues today, during the weekly meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, Van Leeuwen thinks. “But I can also imagine a joke against Prime Minister Rutte. Because if anyone is shouting behind the scenes, it’s really Rutte. There have also been conflicts between Rutte and Minister Kaag. Behind the scenes things can get very heated in politics, that’s part of the culture too.’
Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf (D66) is formally the top minister in the ministry of education, culture and science and says he has had “intense talks” with his colleague Wiersma. “I am confident that he has taken this signal very seriously and is also very active in adopting a better position as a minister and as a member of the team,” says Dijkgraaf, who sometimes called Wiersma “fiercely”.
Wiersma is disappointed
Education Minister Dennis Wiersma is disappointed that he has gone too far in his behavior towards civil servants, but has no plans to resign. ‘Of course I want to continue’, he says shortly before the Council of Ministers. ‘I find it very ugly when people say: I feel like I can’t say what I want in a meeting.’
‘Of course I want to continue’
As a result, the minister says he is even less able to do his job. When he realized the consequences, Wiersma says he started the conversation in his ministry so he could improve. “I looked back on last year and realized that sometimes I’m fierce, sometimes too edgy,” says Wiersma.
‘Certificate of Incapacity’
Members of the House of Representatives hardly respond to Education Minister Dennis Wiersma’s transgressive behavior towards his officials. Harm Beertema of the larger opposition party PVV says he is surprised by De Telegraaf’s report on this. The deputy believes it is good that the minister admits his mistakes. “I read a clear mea culpa and to his credit.”
Other MPs are less lenient. “Think of the eruptions as a certificate of incapacity,” JA21’s Derk Jan Eppink says on Twitter about the messages. “Better calm, and Florentine, proceed.” Peter Kwint (SP) also says he frowns on the behaviour
Source: BNR
Fernando Dowling is an author and political journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of the political landscape and a passion for analyzing the latest political trends and news.
