Dutch Cabinet Ministers Spent Nearly 65,000 Euros on Media and Debate Training

New ministers and state secretaries of the Dutch Jetten cabinet have been sent on courses totaling €64,141 in recent months, according to a survey by RTL News. The training ranges from media and debate training to speech and language courses.

It is not unusual for newly appointed cabinet members to take courses, especially those coming from outside politics. Notable expenditures include media and debate training for Housing Minister Elanor Boekholt-O'Sullivan, who came from the military and lacks experience in The Hague. State Secretary for Justice Claudia van Bruggen - formerly a mental health care director - also took media and language training.

Meanwhile, newcomer Eelco Eerenberg, State Secretary of Finance, took no courses at all, though he had prior political experience as an alderman in Utrecht.

Media training was the most popular preparation. At Economic Affairs, four ministers received media training totaling €16,698. Interior Minister Pieter Heerma - who previously worked as a communications chief for the CDA party - also took media training shortly before taking office, which some found remarkable given his background.

At Agriculture, two ministers received media training costing €7,744. State Secretary Sandra Palmen took a two-session debate training costing €5,105. Education Minister Rianne Letschert, new to politics, took debate lessons costing €2,295.

A VIP Hostile Environment Awareness Training is planned at the Foreign Affairs ministry, costing approximately €7,000, for travel to high-risk destinations.

Several ministries reported no training at all, including those of Prime Minister Rob Jetten himself, Social Affairs, and Defense. 😊