Letschert was nominated this week by D66. The political party, of which she is a member, will negotiate with the CDA and the VVD to explore the possibility of forming a minority government. Her predecessor, Sybrand Buma, has completed his assignment. Now it is up to her to assess what room there is to proceed.
During the press conference in The Hague on Wednesday evening following her appointment, she said the request came unexpectedly: “I was in the car and nearly drove into the guardrail.” She feels honoured and at the same time calls it a challenging task. “But I have the feeling it’s possible.”
For Letschert, content is important, but relationships with people are equally essential. “They always go hand in hand.” Did she consider turning down the assignment? She says she has a “full-time job” in Maastricht and “other plans for the Christmas period, both private and professional,” so she did have to discuss the decision with those around her. But ultimately, the assignment is too “wonderful” to pass up.
Distance
Letschert (1976), professor of international law and victimology, became rector magnificus of UM nearly ten years ago. In 2021 she became President. Although she has no experience as a politician in the national parliament, she has frequently appeared in The Hague in recent years, where she, as UM President, emphasized the importance of the university in the region as a driving force behind economic development in the province of Limburg.
She also served as informateur in 2018 during the formation of a new municipality in Maastricht. In addition, Letschert has led the National Growth Fund (government investments in projects that ensure long-term economic growth).
During the press conference, she was asked whether her lack of political experience is an advantage. According to Letschert, “We’ll assess that at the end. But I think for now it’s an advantage – I have some distance.” She adds that over the past ten years she has been able to “do wonderful things” for the Ministries of Education, Economic Affairs (Growth Fund), and Justice (she was, among other roles, chair of the external Committee on the Implementation of the new Code of Criminal Procedure, established by the Ministry of Justice in 2019).
Ministerial Post
In an interview last August with De Limburger, she looked ahead to the new academic year, in which the university celebrates its fiftieth anniversary. She was also asked about her political ambitions. Would she accept a ministerial position on behalf of D66? In small circles she has never made a secret of her ambitions in that area, but publicly she remained somewhat reserved: it would have to “fit personally and professionally.” It would also depend on all parties participating in a coalition and on the situation at UM. But, she said, “if everyone passes up the difficult jobs, we won’t get anywhere.” In her view, politicians deserve more respect. She described serving as a minister as “a dog’s life.” She also revealed that she had declined a position in the fourth Rutte cabinet; she had just become president of UM and her family was the priority. At the time, she was offered three portfolios: Education, Justice, and Foreign Affairs.
The role of informateur does not hinder the possibility of a ministerial position in the new cabinet. Among others, Ruud Lubbers and Dries van Agt followed that path and even became prime minister.
Letschert will be in The Hague until the end of January at the latest. “During that time, she will minimize her activities for UM,” according to the university website. After that, it is explicitly stated, she will “fully” resume her responsibilities as chair of the Executive Board.