Dutch Politician Withdraws from Ministerial Nomination Over CV Inaccuracies

Nathalie van Berkel, a recently elected member of the Dutch House of Representatives for the Democrats 66 (D66) party, has withdrawn her candidacy for the position of State Secretary for Finance following revelations of inaccuracies in her curriculum vitae. The withdrawal, announced on February 16, 2026, marks a setback for the incoming Jetten cabinet and raises questions about due diligence in the appointment process.

Background and Political Career

Nathalie van Berkel was born on August 25, 1982, in Tegelen, Netherlands. She was elected to the House of Representatives in the 2025 general election after a career in civil service, including a role on the executive board of the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV). As of February 17, 2026, she had served 27 days in the House of Representatives.

The CV Controversy

The controversy began when the Volkskrant newspaper reported discrepancies in Van Berkel’s educational background. Van Berkel had claimed to have studied for a master’s degree in business administration at Leiden University, but it was revealed she only completed a pre-master’s course and did not finish it. She also stated she studied law at Erasmus University, but did not complete her first year.

Van Berkel initially stated she could have been “more explicit” about her education and attributed the errors to a “mistake.” Although, the continued scrutiny led to her decision to withdraw from consideration for the State Secretary position.

D66 Response and Implications

A D66 spokesperson acknowledged that Van Berkel’s CV could have been “much clearer.” The incident has prompted a review of the vetting process for potential ministers and state secretaries within the party and the incoming government. The situation represents a “first test” for party leader and incoming Prime Minister Rob Jetten, according to reports.

Broader Context: CV Accuracy in Dutch Politics

The case highlights the importance of accurate CVs in Dutch politics. Experts note that while politicians may sometimes embellish their qualifications, the consequences can be severe if inaccuracies are discovered, often leading to dismissal. As EenToday reported, such discrepancies are often met with immediate removal from office.

Looking Ahead

The Jetten cabinet will now demand to find a replacement candidate for the State Secretary for Finance position. This incident underscores the need for thorough vetting procedures to ensure the integrity and credibility of government officials. The focus will now shift to identifying a suitable candidate who meets the required qualifications and can navigate the complexities of the Dutch financial landscape.