Finally it’s official: Minister Donner moves to Council of State

After months of speculation, the cabinet has finally confirmed social affairs minister Piet Hein Donner is standing down to become deputy president of the Raad van State that Liesbeth Spies will take over his job.


Donner’s appointment had been widely expected. He succeeds Herman Tjeenk Willink and will take over his duties on February 1.
The Raad van State (council of state) has two main roles: it advises the Dutch government and parliament on legislation and governance and is also the country’s highest administrative court. Queen Beatrix is the council’s president.

New minister

Donner’s place in the cabinet is being taken by Liesbeth Spies, currently a member of the CDA delegation on Zuid-Holland’s provincial council.
Spies was a CDA MP between 2002 and the 2010 general election and then took over the role of acting party chairman.
According to the Volkskrant, Spies will not count integration among her responsibilities. That role is being transferred to immigration minister Gerd Leers, the paper says.
Criticism
Opposition MPs have criticised Donner’s appointment to the council.
‘He will soon be advising on draft legislation which he drew up,’ Labour leader Job Cohen said. ‘This whole business has damaged the institution of the Council of State,’ he said.

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