The new cabinet will likely include a Minister of Digital Affairs, according to GroenLinks-PvdA Member of Parliament Barbara Kathmann in an interview with BNR Nieuwsradio. Based on signals from the coalition talks, she says that this minister "seems to be on the way." Although there is no formal coalition agreement yet, the possible new position fits in with the broader political desire to put digitization higher on the agenda in The Hague.
Kathmann has been working on digital issues for years, including platform power, cybersecurity, and digital fundamental rights. Although no coalition agreement has been reached yet, signs from the formation process indicate that digitization may be given its own ministerial position for the first time. At the same time, it remains unclear whether this minister will be given a fully-fledged department "of Digital Affairs" or a coordinating role "for Digital Affairs" on top of other ministries.
Digitization is a common thread running through virtually all policy areas: from taxation and social security to the judiciary, national security, and healthcare. Previously, it was decided to divide digitization among various government officials, such as the Secretary of State for Kingdom Relations and Digitization and ministers of Economic Affairs, Justice, and the Interior. Experts warn that a separate "digital" column runs the risk of digitization being treated as a separate issue, whereas it should be integrated into policy.
Public administration experts emphasize that the difference between a minister "of" and a minister "for" Digital Affairs is crucial to whether the position will be more than symbolic. A minister "of" has their own department, budget, and formal powers, while a minister "for" is primarily dependent on coordination and persuasion vis-à-vis other departments. In light of discussions about digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, and stalled IT projects, the question is whether the new minister will be given sufficient mandate, expertise, and budget to actually steer the course.
