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The King has appointed Frans Timmermans, Johan Remkes and Thom de Graaf as Ministers of State. The government gave them these titles to show appreciation for their long and exceptional service to Dutch society.
Prime Minister Rob Jetten explained at his weekly press conference that the group needed new members after a recent decline in numbers. Last year, two long-serving Ministers of State, Hans van den Broek and Frits Korthals Altes, passed away.
While the role is mostly an honorary lifetime title, Ministers of State can be asked to give the government advice during difficult political times. They also represent the Cabinet at home and abroad, such as attending the state funerals of foreign leaders.
Timmermans, who led the joint GroenLinks-PvdA alliance until last November, has a long background in diplomacy. He previously served as Foreign Minister and a European Commissioner. Jetten praised his excellent track record as an MP, minister and Vice-President of the European Commission.
Remkes, a well-known member of the VVD, joins the group after holding many senior roles. He has served as Home Secretary, the King’s Commissioner for North Holland, and a government informateur. He also chaired the key advisory committee during the 2022 nitrogen crisis.
De Graaf, a member of the D66 party, completes the trio. He stepped down as Vice-Chairman of the Council of State on 1 July, and previously served as the Mayor of Nijmegen and Minister for Administrative Reform.
With these three new appointments, there are now nine living Ministers of State. The group also includes prominent figures like Herman Tjeenk Willink, former NATO head Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, and former Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
