THE HAGUE, WILLEMSTAD - The Netherlands has a new cabinet. Led by Prime Minister Dick Schoof, the VVD, New Social Contract (NSC), PVV, and Boer Burger Movement (BBB) must fulfill their election promises in the coming term. On Tuesday, all ministers and state secretaries were sworn in by King Willem-Alexander. The most notable appointment is that of Zsolt Szabó (PVV) as Secretary of State for Kingdom Relations, due to previous negative statements from his party about the Caribbean Netherlands. 

Szabó is the first Secretary of State for Kingdom Relations from the PVV, a party that has often made harsh comments about the Caribbean islands within the Kingdom. The PVV has previously referred to Curaçao as a "gang of criminals" and called for the deportation of criminal Antilleans from the Netherlands. 

Despite these statements, Szabó has indicated that he actually wants to improve ties with the islands. This is a remarkable change in direction for the right-wing party, given the PVV's past positions. 

Another important appointment is that of Ruben Brekelmans (VVD) as Minister of Defense. The Defense Ministry plays a crucial role on the islands due to the presence of Dutch military personnel for training and security purposes, and the responsibility for the Coast Guard. Brekelmans will carry out his duties as minister with Gijs Tuinman (BBB) at his side, who has been appointed Secretary of State for Defense. 

With the new cabinet, there is a broad coalition, as the ministers and state secretaries come from a variety of party backgrounds. For now, it remains to be seen what impact this will have on various policy areas, including relations within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.