PM Schoof, Minister Uitermark to sign off on Royal honors after Minister Faber’s refusal

Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Minister of the Interior Judith Uitermark will sign off on Royal distinctions for five volunteers in the refugee sector after Minister of Asylum and Migration Marjolein Faber (PVV) refused to approve the awards. Faber’s decision, which she justified by stating that the volunteers’ work conflicts with her asylum policy, has triggered widespread criticism from coalition partners, opposition parties, and government officials.

Faber was expected to sign off on the awards as a standard procedural step, but she declined, arguing that the recipients’ volunteer work contradicted her efforts to significantly reduce asylum applications and residency permits. “Their work is at odds with my policy,” she told NOS. “I stand for a strict asylum policy because I want to drastically reduce the influx and also the number of residency permits.”

Her refusal was met with strong opposition, particularly because the Minister’s signature is typically a formality. The process for Royal honors begins with a nomination from a citizen, which is then approved by local officials before being reviewed by the Chapter for Civil Orders. In past cases, Ministers have followed the Chapter’s recommendations without issue.

The five honorees are former volunteers with the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA), which operates under Faber’s own Ministry of Asylum and Migration. COA, expressing shock at her refusal, told NOS: “We think it is self-evident that people who make a huge effort to help other people should be recognized for this.”

The Rijksvoorlichtingsdienst (RVD), the government’s information service, announced that Schoof and Uitermark will sign the honors in their capacity as the responsible officials for the national awards system. “As system administrators of the decorations system, they want to ensure the proper functioning of the honors process,” the RVD stated.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister confirmed that the request for their signatures will be submitted “fairly quickly” by the Chapter for Civil Orders. Despite this resolution, Faber’s decision has raised concerns about the impartiality of the honors system and the role of political ideology in its administration.

Faber has refused to comment on Schoof and Uitermark’s decision, according to a spokesperson. PVV leader Geert Wilders reiterated his support for Faber, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “What a courage, what a strength, what a great Minister.”

Faber’s refusal has deepened divisions within the coalition government. Pieter Omtzigt, leader of NSC, called her decision “bizarre,” questioning why she refused to honor volunteers working for her own Ministry’s agency. Caroline van der Plas of BBB labeled it “very, very sad.” Dilan Yeşilgöz, leader of VVD, urged more respect for volunteers, stating: “Let us please treat each other maturely in this country and thank volunteers for their efforts.”

Opposition leaders denounced Faber’s decision as an inappropriate political move. Henri Bontenbal of CDA criticized her for politicizing the awards: “Royal medals belong to society and are requested by people from society. Does everything have to be made political? Minister Faber is overstepping the boundaries of decency here.”

D66 parliamentarian Anne-Marijke Podt accused Faber of undermining her own agency: “It should not come as a surprise from a Minister who makes life difficult for her own executive organization in every possible way. But of course, it is too pathetic for words.”

ChristenUnie MP Pieter Grinwis called Faber’s actions “bizarre, indecent, and heartless,” adding, “The only positive thing about this policy with a very small p is: apparently, Faber reads her documents and does not sign them blindly. But what an unempathetic board in front of your head you must have.”

The King’s Commissioners, who oversee the integrity of Royal distinctions, expressed deep concern over Faber’s refusal. René Paas, the King’s Commissioner in Groningen, issued a statement on LinkedIn, speaking on behalf of his colleagues: “Royal distinctions are not a political instrument.”

Paas warned that Faber’s decision threatens the objectivity of the awards system. “Respect the existing procedures and criteria and keep the awarding of Royal distinctions free from political considerations,” he urged, emphasizing that maintaining the neutrality of the honors system is crucial to its credibility.

The Chapter for Civil Orders is expected to submit the request for Schoof and Uitermark’s signatures “fairly quickly,” according to a spokesperson for the Prime Minister. While this move ensures the five volunteers will receive their awards, the controversy has raised broader concerns about the impartiality of the honors process and the potential for political interference in future decisions. Faber has not responded to questions regarding the new developments.