How Princess Laurentien became entangled in a politically sensitive government responsibility
Research conducted by Dutch news programme ‘Nieuwsuur’ into the work carried out by Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands for victims of the childcare benefits scandal raises many questions. Legal experts are puzzled as to how the Cabinet at the time assigned the tasks. Geerten Boogaard, Professor of Local Government, comments on the issue in ‘Nieuwsuur’.
The Cabinet sought swift and generous compensation for victims of the childcare benefits scandal and hired Laurentien’s Foundation (SGH) to carry out the Finance Ministry's assignment. Her role shifted from being a confidential counsellor to executor of a government responsibility and has sparked controversy. She found herself in a vulnerable position, according to Nieuwsuur.
A number of issues are at play in the matter:
- The princess has been accused of unacceptable behaviour towards civil servants at the Ministry of Finance which led to her standing down;
- An incorrect or delayed official review by the Ministry of Finance concerning the appropriateness of a member of the Royal House becoming involved. This review is part of the ministerial responsibility of the Dutch prime minister;
- The Foundation has no CBF quality mark for charities which could have been referred to in the event of problems;
- Non-observance of rules on tendering which led to only one party being given the assignment.
Boogaard claims that the ‘balancing act’ in this matter was not properly conducted. On the one hand, 'you’re doing something you enjoy, which generates sufficient income and is no cause for discussion.' However, Bogaard feels that she acted incorrectly under constitutional law, by placing herself outside the system in a personal capacity on behalf of the victims in the childcare allowance system, against the government; ‘An untenable situation’.
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Photo: © RVD - Jeroen van der Meyde