Schoof I cabinet: These cabinet members studied in Leiden
It took a while, but the new cabinet has now finally been appointed. Four members of Schoof I studied in Leiden. Who are they?
Nora Achahbar
Nora Achahbar (NSC) is State Secretary for Benefits. From 2000 to 2008 she studied Dutch Law and Encyclopaedia and Philosophy of Law. During her studies, Achahbar was a board member of ELSA, the European Law Students’ Association, and a member of the student association Augustinus. After graduating, she worked at the Supreme Court and as a lawyer, special investigator for the Police and prosecutor for the Public Prosecution Service.
Teun Struycken
Teun Struycken (NSC) is State Secretary for Legal Protection. He studied Law in Leiden from 1987 to 1993. In 2007, he obtained a PhD in Property Law from Radboud University Nijmegen. After his studies, he worked as a lawyer at the international law firm NautaDutilh and as a Professor of Financial, Securities and Insolvency Law at Utrecht University.
Gijs Tuinman
Gijs Tuinman (BBB) is State Secretary for Defence. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and a Master’s degree in Public Sector Management from Leiden University. He became a Platoon Commander in the Korps Commandotroepen in 2010 after serving as an officer on military operations in Afghanistan and Africa from 2007. In 2014, he was appointed a Knight of the Military Order of William. He later became a lecturer and researcher in military science at the Netherlands Defence Academy.
Mariëlle Paul
Mariëlle Paul (VVD) is State Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education and Emancipation. She studied International Law in Leiden from 1985 to 1991. During her studies she was a member of the student association Minerva. After graduating, she worked for the oil company BP, was co-owner of a communications agency and became a member of parliament in 2021.
Eppo Bruins
Eppo Bruins (NSC) is the Minister of Education. He is not a Leiden graduate but has worked at the University. From 2004 to 2008 he was the institute manager of the Leiden Institute of Physics (LION). On 1 May 2024, he was appointed part-time Professor of Science in Politics and Public Policy, but as he will become a minister, he will no longer hold this chair.
Banner photo: ANP