Another top justice official resigns

Pieter Cloo has decided to step down as Secretary General of the Ministry of Security and Justice. Cloo made this decision in order to give the new Minister and State Secretary of Security and Justice the opportunity to make a new start after the resignation of Minister Ivo Opstelten and State Secretary Fred Teeven. The Secretary General of a Ministry handles the daily management of the ministry and is the first official contact for the minister. Cloo has been the Secretary General of the Ministry of Security and Justice since December 2012. Minister Stef Blok (Housing and interim Minister of Security and Justice) announced today that Hans van der Vlist will immediately take the position of Acting Secretary General at the Ministry of Security and Justice. He will fulfill this position for approximately three days a week in a addition to his current position as the Secretary General at the Ministry of Education , Culture and Science. The position of Minister of Security and Justice will now be filled by Ard van der Steur and Klaas Dijkhoff has been appointed as the new Secretary of State. The new VVD Ministry of Security and Justice duo are expected to be officially sworn in by King Willem-Alexander today.