Laurentien - EVENTS

[Principessa]

https://nos.nl/artikel/25...ag-van-prinses-laurentien

Loosely translated as:

Civil servants report Princess Laurentien's inappropriate behavior

The Ministry of Finance has received reports of inappropriate behavior by Princess Laurentien. This was confirmed by a spokesperson after reporting in the AD. Princess Laurentien allegedly "treated civil servants improperly".

The ministry writes in a response that "emotions sometimes flared up" during the collaboration and that "a number of our colleagues" have reported this verbally. According to the AD, insiders speak "without any doubt about inappropriate behavior".

Foundation (Equal) Worthy Recovery
Princess Laurentien started a foundation to help these parents and children in response to the (childcare) benefits scandal, in which tens of thousands of parents lost or had to pay back their childcare allowance.

Her Foundation (Equal) Worthy Recovery (SGH) works together with the Ministry of Finance, which is responsible for solving the problems of the victims. Things are said to have regularly gotten out of hand on the work floor of the ministry.

The foundation writes in a response that it regrets that "once again anonymous officials" are putting SGH's recovery approach in a bad light and calls the reports "slanderous accusations" against the princess.

Former MP Gert-Jan Segers, chairman of the foundation's supervisory board, calls the accusations misplaced: "This absolutely does not do justice to who she is, how we got to know her and how she works together. (...) We are very disappointed in these anonymous officials who are more concerned with badmouthing others than with legal redress for the parents who were injured in the allowances affair."


Political reporter Albert Bos:
"Nobody in The Hague doubts the good intentions of the princess. But there have been rumors for some time that Laurentien made it clear when she disagreed with something. Even in the recent caretaker cabinet, this led to considerable irritation.

Now that there are even formal reports from civil servants, this makes the matter very complicated for the princess, because as a member of the Royal House she occupies a special position. This is also starting to affect the monarchy and thus the king and Prime Minister Schoof.

The reaction of the foundation is telling, calling for calm, but also hitting back head-on. Laurentien did that in a video as well. The princess could also have chosen to use her influence more in the background, as is customary with members of the Royal House, especially now that her method has been given the green light again. But she apparently does not want to know about that."

[Principessa]

https://www.nu.nl/konings...egt-stappen-tegen-ad.html

Loosely translated as:

Laurentien accused of misconduct, princess considers taking action against AD

By our entertainment editors
Aug 8, 2024 at 7:07 AM
Update: 1 hour ago

Princess Laurentien is accused in an article in the AD of inappropriate behavior in her dealings with the Ministry of Finance. The princess and her foundation for the victims of the allowance scandal are considering legal action against the newspaper.
The newspaper writes in the article that at least eight reports of inappropriate behavior by the princess have been received by the civil service top of the Ministry of Finance. According to insiders, there was intimidation, Laurentien cursed people and she did not tolerate contradiction.

The Ministry of Finance confirms that there have been problems with the foundation and that emotions ran high. This was reported verbally. The ministry does not speak of inappropriate behavior in this regard.

The spokesperson for the princess and the Foundation (Equal) Worthy Recovery (SGH) speaks of "unfounded accusations". The legal steps will be taken if the AD does not remove the accusations from its website and rectify them. It is not clear what specific steps will be taken.

"We hold the freedom of the press in high regard," says the spokesperson. "But the AD cannot simply say something without substantiating or making it hard."

Editor-in-chief Rennie Rijpma says in a response to the ANP that the AD would "never publish unfounded matters." "Our journalist has done good, substantive work. We look forward to the steps with confidence."

[Florine]

I agree with those saying that Laurentien's intentions were good. It appears she did genuinely try and help. At least, the 'Laurentien method' was a way forward, but the top civil servants don't like being told what to do. Several warning shots were fired before this character assassination.

Having said this, I think she should have stayed away from this political minefield, especially since she is a member of the Royal House.

[ralf103]

Yes this sounds more to me like Laurentine wouldn't be told so is now being taken down publicly. This is IMO sometimes a problem likely to happen when Royals get "hands on" rather than taking a more 'stepped back' role. I admire her intentions though.

Its even made the Daily Fail in the UK
https://www.dailymail.co....re-fear-intimidation.html

[Principessa]

I agree with those saying that Laurentien's intentions were good. It appears she did genuinely try and help. At least, the 'Laurentien method' was a way forward, but the top civil servants don't like being told what to do. Several warning shots were fired before this character assassination.

Having said this, I think she should have stayed away from this political minefield, especially since she is a member of the Royal House.

Intentions sounded and looked good, but:

- Just simply giving everyone money? How to differiantate between the people? And the amount they deserve?

- Laurentien should have stayed out of this, as member of the DRF

[Principessa]

https://www.nu.nl/konings...che-stappen-tegen-ad.html

Loosely translated as:


Princess Laurentien decides not to take legal action against AD after all

By our news editors
12 Aug 2024 at 20:49
Update: 11 hours ago

Princess Laurentien has decided not to take legal action against AD after an article about her alleged inappropriate behavior. A spokesperson for the princess told the ANP news agency on Monday.
"We now prefer to focus on the parents who have been affected by the benefits scandal for years," the spokesperson explained. Laurentien's foundation would still like to "talk" to the newspaper about the publication.

On Wednesday, AD published an article in which several anonymous sources said they had reported the princess's inappropriate behavior to the Ministry of Finance. The Ministry of General Affairs said it trusted "that the Ministry of Finance would handle the reports carefully."

Princess Laurentien's Foundation (Equal) Worthy Recovery said that there were "slanderous accusations" and that legal action was being considered. The AD defended itself by stating that the article was well-founded and said it would not rectify anything.

Foundation helps victims of benefits scandal
The Princess's foundation helps parents affected by the benefits scandal. There has been a lot of fuss about the approach the foundation uses to do this. Parents were enthusiastic about it, but an initial test with around three hundred files did not immediately convince the Ministry of Finance.

The department doubted, among other things, whether the method could be applied on a large scale. Ultimately, Laurentien's foundation was given permission to continue helping the victims.

The Rutte III cabinet resigned in early 2021 because of the benefits scandal. Tens of thousands of parents have been affected by the actions of the Tax and Customs Administration in recent years and many have fallen into debt. Former Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in his farewell speech at the end of June that he was confident that his "successors will continue on the path to recovery".

[Principessa]

https://www.nu.nl/konings...n-op-niets-gebaseerd.html

Loosely translated as:

Constantijn calls Laurentien's misconduct allegations 'based on nothing'

By our entertainment editors
26 Aug 2024 at 13:10
Update: 1 hour ago

According to Constantijn, the accusations of inappropriate behavior against Princess Laurentien are "actually based on nothing". The prince said this on Monday in the NPO Radio 1 program Sven op 1 in response to the reports.
Constantijn said that his wife "has had a lot to deal with" and that he does not believe the accusations. "I have known her for a very long time and I know that what is described there does not correspond in any way to who she is," said King Willem-Alexander's brother when presenter Sven Kockelmann asked if he had ever asked Laurentien if she had misbehaved.

An article in the AD reported that "at least eight reports" of inappropriate behavior by the princess have been received by the top civil servants of the Ministry of Finance. According to insiders, there was intimidation, Laurentien cursed people and she did not tolerate any contradiction.

The princess helps victims of the benefits scandal with her foundation (Gelijk)waardig Herstel. In that role, she has contact with civil servants at the ministry. The foundation denied the reports and spoke of "slanderous accusations".

According to Constantijn, the accusations are "actually based on nothing" and his wife deliberately did not respond. "She does not want to throw mud back. The most important thing for her is that there is a scheme to help those parents."

[Principessa]

https://www.nu.nl/konings...voor-toeslagenouders.html

Loosely translated as:

Princess Laurentien resigns as chair of foundation for allowance parents

By our entertainment editors
Aug 28, 2024 at 3:41 PM
Update: 10 hours ago

Princess Laurentien is resigning as chair of the Foundation (Equal) Worthy Recovery with immediate effect, the organization announced on Wednesday afternoon. Earlier this month, she was accused of misconduct by officials from the Ministry of Finance.
The Foundation (Equal) Worthy Recovery (SGH) is committed to helping parents who have been affected by the allowance scandal. According to the foundation, the princess no longer believes she can "sufficiently fulfill her role based on the content".

Early August, the AD reported that at least eight reports of the princess's inappropriate behavior had been received by the top officials of the Ministry of Finance. According to insiders, there was intimidation, Laurentien cursed people and she did not tolerate any contradiction.

The spokesperson for the princess and SGH spoke of "unfounded accusations". "We hold freedom of the press in high regard", said the spokesperson. "But the AD cannot just say something without substantiating or making it hard." The foundation said it was considering legal action against the newspaper, but later changed its mind.

'The very last thing I want is for it to be about me'
In an interview with RTL Nieuws, the princess said she wants "peace" and "to be happy". "The very last thing I want is for it to be about me. This is who I am. My identity is my professionalism. And if you are then personally attacked, then someone else is made of me. That affects me."

According to Laurentien, the conversations between the victims and civil servants at the ministry were emotional, but she never crossed a line. "No, no. And that remained within limits for everyone."

Gert-Jan Segers, chairman of the foundation's supervisory board, stated in an open letter on Wednesday that Laurentien's decision to quit was "personally hard on him". Segers: "It is commendable and typical of you that you - once again - focus on the emotional, financial and legal recovery of the parents and their families affected by the allowance scandal and that you are now giving them absolute priority."

Laurentien's husband Constantijn also spoke out about the accusations at the beginning of this week. According to the prince, they are "actually based on nothing". "I have known her for a very long time and I know that what is described there does not correspond in any way to who she is", said King Willem-Alexander's brother in the NPO Radio 1 programme Sven op 1.




https://nos.nl/artikel/25...ting-voor-toeslagenouders

Loosely translated as:

NOS News

yesterday, 15:46
Modified yesterday, 17:02

Princess Laurentien resigns as chair of foundation for allowance parents

Princess Laurentien will immediately resign from her position as chair of the Foundation (Equal) Worthy Recovery, which is committed to the affected allowance parents.

In a letter to the foundation's Supervisory Board, Laurentien writes that she came to the decision last weekend "that I can no longer fulfill my role as chair of the board of our groundbreaking foundation based on the content".

Recently, there has been a stir about the foundation's method of helping the parents. It turned out to be much more expensive than the government's own compensation scheme. There were also reports of alleged transgressive behavior by the princess towards civil servants at the Ministry of Finance.

The events of the past few weeks following the anonymous complaints have "overwhelmed the princess in every way", she says. "The very last thing I want is for it to be about me and to embarrass people and organisations that are close to my heart."

Simplification agreed
Last month, the foundation received permission from the government to continue helping the allowance parents, but under stricter conditions. As a result of this simplification, the so-called 'Laurentien method' also had to cost less money.

Shortly afterwards, reports emerged that civil servants from the Ministry of Finance had anonymously complained about the actions of Prince Constantijn's wife. She had allegedly "treated them improperly". The foundation called this "slanderous accusations" at the time.

In the meantime, the pressure on Laurentien to stop her work increased. A member of the Royal Family should not be involved in these kinds of politically sensitive dossiers, was the criticism.

Prime Minister Schoof expressed his respect for Laurentien's decision in a response. According to him, she had "made a professional difference" with her foundation and had been of great importance to the allowance parents. He wants the benefits affair to be discussed again.

Achahbar: Laurentien's route will be continued
State Secretary Achahbar of Benefits finds it "sad" that the princess felt compelled to resign. She also praises the "enormous professionalism and drive" of the princess. According to the State Secretary, the benefit parents can trust that Laurentien's "route" will be continued in her spirit.

Achahbar does not want to comment on the reports of complaints from civil servants about Laurentien's actions: "She felt compelled to do this. Of course, a lot has been thrown at her recently. I respect her choice."

In an interview with RTL Nieuws today, the princess said that no one asked her to stop, not Prime Minister Schoof and not her brother-in-law, King Willem-Alexander. It was her own decision. "I also want peace, I also want to do my work. I also just want to be a happy person."

"I have never, in twenty years, been a hassle. I have never been a hassle. Maybe it is inappropriate, but I have been a boring box for twenty years," says Laurentien.

'Unfair and sad'
Chairman Gert-Jan Segers of the Supervisory Board of the Stichting (Gelijk)waardig Herstel calls it unfair and sad "that Laurentien has to make this decision". In a letter to her, Segers writes that all staff members of the foundation, including Laurentien, have always done everything to promote a professional relationship with the Ministry of Finance.

According to the former Christian Union politician, the ministry wanted Laurentien to be there at crucial moments. "This is apart from the fact that our employees, directors and partners of SGH know you very differently than the image that has been painted."

The Supervisory Board wants to talk to Laurentien about a way in which she can remain permanently involved with the foundation.



Political reporter Jorn Jonker:
"Princess Laurentien's position caused discomfort in political The Hague. The cabinet is ministerially responsible for the public activities of the Royal House, but at the same time this member of the Royal House was at odds with that same cabinet about the handling of the benefits scandal. That started to cause a lot of friction.

[Principessa]

Laurentien & Constantijn are present at the wedding of ML in Norway

[Hester]

The B Team!!!!

[Principessa]

The B Team!!!!

Well, according to previous stories, Laurentien befriended ML. If I am correct she is also a godmother to one of MLs daughters

[Principessa]

Found it: Laurentien is a godmother to Leah, the 2nd daughter of ML and Ari Behn

[Principessa]

https://nos.nl/artikel/25...n-conflict-met-ambtenaren

According to an article of Dutch newspaper NRC there were already struggles between Laurentien and civil servants in 2021

[Principessa]

https://nos.nl/nieuwsuur/...es-laurentien-niet-vooraf

Loosely translated as:

NOS
today, 17:15

Cabinet did not assess Princess Laurentien's 'politically sensitive work' in advance

Renee van Hest
Research editorial team

Judith Pennarts
Research editorial team Nieuwsuur

The cabinet only assessed Princess Laurentien's involvement in the claims settlement of the Toeslagen affair after a contract had already been signed with the Ministry of Finance. Experts believe that the cabinet should have assessed earlier whether these activities could conflict with her position as a member of the Royal House.

From July 2023, Laurentien's activities will be sensitive because, according to experts, the princess is performing a government task. Her foundation is setting up an alternative claims settlement for parents affected by the Toeslagen affair on behalf of the Ministry of Finance. However, it is not the princess, but the prime minister who is responsible for her activities.

Only four months after Laurentien started, then State Secretary for Allowances Aukje de Vries (VVD) sent a letter about it to then Prime Minister Mark Rutte. "Incomprehensible", say constitutional law experts. They call it "mustard after the meal". The cabinet should have considered in advance whether the princess's involvement in a government task was desirable.

The Ministry of Finance acknowledges that the assessment took "a little longer than usual", but that assessments can also be made retroactively. "The Prime Minister should have been on top of this", says emeritus professor of constitutional law Paul Bovend'Eert. "He should have been intensively involved from the start in the question of whether the princess should be allowed to have these activities at all."

Ministerial responsibility
Research by Nieuwsuur shows that in the letter of 28 November, State Secretary De Vries states that there are "no compelling reasons that oppose the acceptance of ministerial responsibility". Rutte endorsed this, General Affairs confirms.

The Government Information Service emphasises that the primary responsibility for Laurentien's recovery operation lies with the State Secretary. Rutte previously accepted - in 2017 - ministerial responsibility for another foundation of the princess: the Number 5 Foundation.

According to experts, the fact that in this case the State Secretary bears ministerial responsibility for Laurentien's work - as the Government Information Service emphasises - is incorrect: it is the Prime Minister who is charged with the coordination and implementation of ministerial responsibility for members of the Royal House.

"The Prime Minister should have sent such a letter to the State Secretary. He must coordinate and implement, not the other way around", says Professor Bovend'Eert.

But current Prime Minister Schoof also follows the same line: "The responsibility for the policy regarding the recovery operation and the efforts of the Stichting (Gelijk)waardig Herstel (Laurentien's foundation, ed.) lies with the State Secretary."

Tendering rules ignored
Finance does not want to make the letter from 2023 public. This makes it unclear on what basis the assessment was made that Laurentien could hold her sensitive position.

Despite the fact that this test had a positive outcome at the time, there are sensitivities associated with Laurentien's involvement. For example, it appears that Finance failed to follow the tendering rules twice when awarding contracts to the princess: for a pilot contract worth 4.2 million euros and a new contract worth 96 million euros.

The ministry ignored advice from the Inspectorate of State Finances for this new major contract, as was previously reported by NRC. The Inspectorate warned that a private award was "possibly unlawful". The contract should have been put out to public tender.

"It is very strange that you make a mistake once and do not learn from it. That you also do not learn from a warning and then also seem to ignore the tendering rules a second time", says professor of tendering law Pieter Kuypers.

The ministry acknowledges that it did not follow the tendering rules and that this entailed "an accountable unlawfulness". But this risk was accepted because the House wanted speed and not to leave parents in uncertainty. A fallacy, Kuypers believes. "This assignment could have been put out to public tender with an accelerated procedure."

Exception for princess
According to experts, the ministry is making itself unnecessarily vulnerable in a file in which the unlawful actions of the government are central. Moreover, ignoring the rules damages the position of the princess. "These tendering rules are intended to prevent the suggestion that you are giving certain people an advantage", says professor of administrative law Geerten Boogaard. "Sooner or later the question arises: has an exception been made here because it is a princess?"

In addition to the tendering issue, there are also questions about the transparency of foundations in which Laurentien is involved. According to the website, her work is carried out "selflessly". But after questions from Nieuwsuur, it turns out that the Number 5 Foundation (NR5), where the princess is director-manager, sends invoices to the Stichting (Gelijkwaardig) Herstel (SGH).

For "facilities, expertise and knowledge", according to a spokesperson. It would be a "reasonable expense allowance" and that money does not go to Laurentien's salary. But Bovend'Eert thinks that the princess should have been transparent about this. "It does not matter whether this concerns an expense allowance or a salary."

Vulnerable position
The foundation also appears not to be affiliated with the CBF, the quality mark for charities. Organisations with that quality mark are obliged to publish, among other things, management salaries. A spokesperson for Laurentien's foundation says that they are considering applying for the quality mark, but that has not happened yet.

Laurentien may have resigned from SGH, but if it were up to Gert-Jan Segers - chairman of the Supervisory Board of SGH - Laurentien would remain "continuedly involved". Unwise, according to Bovend'Eert. "It has become apparent that the princess has ended up in a vulnerable position. The prime minister must ensure that Laurentien does not end up in that position again."

[Principessa]

Apparently recycled a coat from 2002 when being in Norway for ML's wedding