The head of the Dutch national police force resigned on Thursday, saying he no longer feels capable of seeing through the current far-reaching reorganisation.

Gerard Bouman, 63, was moved from the Dutch security service AIVD to the police in 2011 by then justice minister Ivo Opstelten to oversee the merger of 26 police regions into one single national police force.

Inevitable

His departure had become inevitable because of the continuing problems the reorganisation is causing to the police. Last month it was announced that merging the 26 police regions would take three years longer than expected and cost twice as much, with the budget of €230m increasing to €460m.

Bouman announced his resignation to the assembled police top in The Hague, saying that his departure comes at a time when the basis for the national police force has been laid.

Unsurprised

Insiders are unsurprised by the move. There have been fierce discussions both within the organisation and with the powerful police unions, and contact with the justice ministry has been difficult since Opstelten left earlier this year, the Telegraaf reports.

Bouman will remain in post until February 1, 2016. It is not yet known who will replace him.