THE HAGUE – The new direction taken by State Secretary for Kingdom Relations, Zsolt Szabó (PVV), has been described as a “relief” following what PVV MP Peter van Haasen called the “weak leadership” of his predecessor, Alexandra van Huffelen (D66). 

“I truly felt that with State Secretary Szabó, we were finally on the right track to restructure the chaotic system left behind by Van Huffelen,” said Van Haasen. “And not in favor of the local politicians, but for the benefit of our fellow citizens in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. Unfortunately, things are now on pause. It’s regrettable for my Kingdom Relations portfolio, but we must move forward.” 

With the Dutch Cabinet now in caretaker status and early elections set for October 29, Van Haasen emphasized that his party remains committed to its goals: better governance, sound financial management, and increased self-reliance for the Caribbean countries within the Kingdom. 

“I will continue to be critical yet constructive until the very last day I hold the Kingdom Relations portfolio,” he stated. 

Van Haasen expressed hope that he will return to Parliament after the elections so he can continue to, as he put it, “enthusiastically improve and maintain the relationships between the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, the public entities, and European Netherlands.”