Questions about university qualification of State Secretary Vicky Maeijer (PVV)
image: Krzysztof Maksimiuk on Unsplash
Following an investigation into plagiarism, Erasmus University Rotterdam has declared the master’s thesis of Dutch State Secretary for Long-term and Social Care, Vicky Maeijer, invalid. Wim Voermans, Professor of Constitutional Law, spoke to Dutch newspaper ‘Trouw’ about the matter.
Maeijer has owned up and admitted that she made mistakes when completing her studies. Erasmus University Rotterdam has given her the opportunity to submit a thesis on a new topic. It remains unclear, however, to what extent her university qualification still stands. Despite the allegation, Prime Minister Schoof has expressed his unconditional support for the state secretary.
Trouw reports that this is not the first time members of the cabinet have been discredited over such matters. State Secretary for Defence Schwietert (VVD), lied in 1982 about his doctoral degree and his role in the army. He was forced to resign the day after taking office. In 2002, Philomena Bijlhout (LPF), State Secretary for Social Affairs and Employment, had to resign three days after her appointment because of her involvement in civilian militias in Suriname.
Voermans calls it a ‘a transgression in the private sphere’ and does not consider it likely that the House of Representatives will demand her resignation. It is not a matter of a breach of office and, besides, she has held the position for some time.