controversy surrounds nathalie van berkel's appointment as state secretary
Den Haag, maandag, 16 februari 2026.
nathalie van berkel, nominated as state secretary for finance, revised her cv after scrutiny over her educational background. she previously stated she pursued a master’s in public administration at leiden university. in reality, she completed only an hbo-level pre-master track without finishing the degree. van berkel holds no completed academic degrees beyond an hbo propaedeutic diploma. the adjustment comes days before her planned installation on february 23. d66 confirms she disclosed not completing a degree during recruitment but acknowledges clearer wording was needed. questions arise about transparency and integrity in high-level appointments. the incident intensifies debate in the coalition government just ahead of cabinet formation. van berkel faces final discussions with incoming prime minister rob jetten before confirmation.
nathalie van berkel adjusts cv amid education claims scrutiny
Nathalie van Berkel, designated state secretary for Finance representing D66, revised her public curriculum vitae following scrutiny over her academic credentials. She had previously indicated pursuing a master’s in public administration at Leiden University. However, it emerged that she followed the program at hbo level and participated only in a pre-master admission track without completing the degree. Her formal qualifications remain limited to an havo diploma and an hbo propaedeutic certificate in public administration from The Hague University of Applied Sciences [1]. The update occurred on February 16, 2026, directly addressing concerns raised by media inquiries [1].
discrepancies revealed in academic history
Van Berkel studied law at Erasmus University Rotterdam between 2004 and 2009 but did not complete her propaedeutic phase. Later, from 2008 to 2011, she enrolled in public administration at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, though she never finished the foundational year [1]. Despite these incomplete programs, her earlier public profiles suggested stronger academic ties to Leiden University. A former fellow student confirmed encountering her at the university’s campus in The Hague during the period associated with the pre-master access trajectory [1]. No official registration records exist due to non-registration via DUO, complicating verification [1].
party confirms disclosure during selection process
D66 acknowledged that Van Berkel declared not having completed any degree during the recruitment procedure for the state secretary position. The party admitted afterward that clearer phrasing on her cv would have been preferable to prevent misinterpretation [1]. According to internal protocols, candidates disclose their full backgrounds during vetting. While the omission of graduation details was known internally, its external presentation sparked criticism regarding transparency standards for high-ranking officials [1]. The clarification came after repeated questioning by journalists on February 13, 2026 [1].
appointment under pressure ahead of swearing-in
Van Berkel’s scheduled installation as state secretary is set for February 23, 2026, placing immediate pressure on the decision-making timeline [1]. Prior to confirmation, she is expected to hold a concluding discussion with incoming Prime Minister Rob Jetten on February 17, 2026 [1]. Jetten deferred responsibility for candidate selection to D66 leadership, stating the party bore accountability for vetting procedures [1]. Public focus now centers on whether the credibility of the new coalition hinges on strict adherence to personal integrity benchmarks during appointments [1].
wider implications for political accountability
This episode fuels broader debate about honesty and oversight in governmental nominations within the Netherlands. Critics argue that ambiguous representations of academic achievements undermine trust, especially among senior appointees who shape fiscal policy [1]. Supporters note that work experience—such as Van Berkel’s prior board membership at UWV—may outweigh formal education. Nevertheless, opposition parties demand more rigorous validation processes ahead of future cabinet formations. Transparency advocates warn against normalizing imprecise credential reporting in politics [1].