New Dutch cabinet still largely unknown after 100 days in office

Today is the Rutte III government's 100th day in office. Yet many of the ministers in the government are still just as unknown to the Dutch public as when they took office, according to a study by Kantar Public, BNR reports.

The most anonymous members of the Rutte III government are Ingrid van Engelshoven, Minister of Education, Culture and Science, and Minister Bruno Bruins for Medical Care and Sports. Only 7 percent of respondents knew who they are. Hugo de Jonge, Minster of Public Health, Welfare and Sports, did slightly better with 12 percent of respondents knowing who he is.

The better known Ministers are not exactly known to everyone - 49 percent of Dutch know who Minister Eric Wiebes of Finance is, and 38 percent know Minister Ferdinand Grapperhaus of Justice and Security.

Admittedly, not a lot happened during the first 100 days of the Rutte II reign to put its Ministers on the map. Wiebes got attention due to the discussion on gas extraction in Groningen, and the fracking earthquake in Zeerijp last month. The current debate on the new organ donor law may bring Health Ministers Bruno Bruins and Hugo de Jonge into the spotlight.

Carola Schouten, Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, is currently the most appreciated Minister in the Netherlands. Kantar Public respondents gave her a score of 6.5. Minister Sander Dekker for Legal Protection, which falls under the Ministry of Justice and Security, received the lowest score from the Dutch public with 5.0. Prime Minister Mark Rutte got a score of 5.9, putting him in the middle of the group.