Complaint about verbal and physical intimidation to Minister Wiersma

The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science received a complaint about “verbal and physical intimidation” by Education Minister Dennis Wiersma, his spokesperson confirmed to the National Ports Agency when asked. It happened last Monday when the Minister visited Bossum’s Practicum Day. The organization later informed the ministry of the incident, which later promised to enter into discussions with those concerned.

The Practical Education Sector Council, which organized the event, speaks in a press release of an “incident” involving Wiersma and “people from the conference organization”. A data subject who wishes to remain anonymous refers to an “unpleasant” and “unpleasant” conversation. As long as discussions about the incident are ongoing with the ministry, the Sector Council does not want to comment on the circumstances.

Read also | Prime Minister Rutte thinks that Minister Wiersma can stay

Very sharp and bright

Wiersma has been under fire for months due to reports of misconduct. In April, after he reported this in the media, Wiersma admitted that he was harsh and sometimes very violent towards his officials. A month later, it turned out that during his term in parliament for the VVD, complaints had been received within his group about Wiersma’s behavior. In an interview with the faction, the minister apologized for his behavior. He trusted the minister after he promised that misconduct was a thing of the past.

At the recent VVD congress, Wiersma reiterated his apology and the minister said: “I learned my lesson, it won’t happen again.”

Mark Rutte has said several times that he believes his party colleague in Wiersma can stay on despite the reports. I understand that Dennis Wiersma wants to talk to the people involved. That sounds good to me, says Rutty now.

Read also | Wiersma: You were very sharp and sometimes very fierce

bad behavior

According to a spokesperson, the incident in Bussum is the only report the department has received since the misconduct reports in April. The telegraph Reports on Wednesday also said of “extensive talks” between senior officials of the Education Inspectorate and Wiersma. The Inspectorate spokesperson confirms this, without wanting to pass a value judgment on the talks.

The minister has been ill since Friday and has therefore canceled a visit to India. According to a spokesman, the minister’s absence had nothing to do with the report that was submitted.