Former Dutch FM up for post at World Bank

Halbe Zijlstra, former VVD Minister of Foreign Affairs, is a candidate for a top position at the World Bank. Prime Minister Mark Rutte is an enthusiastic advocate for Zijlstra's nomination, but not everyone in the government agrees, insiders told RTL Nieuws.

Zijlstra is nominated to become a an administrator at the World Bank, the important UN organization that provides loans to developing countries, according to the broadcaster. Former State Secretary Frank Heemskerk, the man currently holding the position, is stepping down this summer.

Government information service Rijksvoorlichtingsdienst said in a reaction that the procedure is still ongoing and no announcements are made about possible candidates.

Halbe Zijlstra had to step down as Minister of Foreign Affairs early this year after it was revealed that he repeatedly lied about being at a meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Some members of the government are hesitant about Zijlstra's nomination for the World Bank position, because he has too little experience in the financial world, according to RTL. The nomination of a new administrator is a government decision.