Dutch Parties Nominate Ex-Intelligence Chief Schoof for Prime Minister

Dick Schoof, the former head of the Dutch intelligence service, has been proposed as the prime minister of the Netherlands' incoming rightwing government. This follows Geert Wilders' agreement to form a new coalition government with three other conservative parties: PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB. Wilders, leader of the nationalist PVV, had previously ruled himself out of the top job.

Schoof, currently the highest official at the Ministry of Justice and Security, has an extensive background in intelligence and security, having previously led the AIVD, NCTV, and IND. The coalition government plans to implement stricter asylum policies and address organized crime, areas where Schoof's expertise could be beneficial. The new government aims to introduce exceptions to EU asylum and environmental rules, and a press conference is scheduled for Tuesday to formally present Schoof as the prime ministerial candidate. The coalition's agreement, reached earlier this month, is expected to be operational by mid-June.