Hans Vijlbrief
{{Short description|Dutch politician (born 1963)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Hans Vijlbrief
| image = 220107Hans Vijlbrief05 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Vijlbrief in 2022
| office = State Secretary for the Extractive Industries
| term_start = 10 January 2022
| term_end = 2 July 2024
| primeminister = Mark Rutte
| predecessor =
| successor = Eddie van Marum
| office1 = State Secretary for Finance
| term_start1 = 29 January 2020
| term_end1 = 10 January 2022
| alongside1 = Alexandra van Huffelen
| primeminister1 = Mark Rutte
| predecessor1 = Menno Snel
| successor1 = Marnix van Rij
| office2 = Member of the House of Representatives
| term_start2 = 6 December 2023
| term_start3 = 31 March 2021
| term_end3 = 10 January 2022
| successor3 = Hind Dekker-Abdulaziz
| office4 = President of the Eurogroup Working Group
| term_start4 = 1 February 2018
| term_end4 = 29 January 2020{{Cite press release |url = https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2020/01/29/statement-by-the-eurogroup-president-on-the-replacement-of-the-eurogroup-working-group-president/ |title = Statement by the Eurogroup President on the replacement of the Eurogroup working group President |access-date = 21 March 2020 |date = 29 January 2020 |website = European Council }}
| predecessor4 = Thomas Wieser
| successor4 = Tuomas Saarenheimo
| office5 = Treasurer-General
| term_start5 = 1 July 2011
| term_end5 = 1 February 2018
| predecessor5 = Ronald Gerritse
| successor5 = Christiaan Rebergen
| party = Democrats 66
| birth_name = Johannes Alexander Vijlbrief
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1963|8|17}}
| birth_place = Voorschoten, South Holland
| residence = Woubrugge, South Holland
| children = 2
| spouse = Manouche Hetzler
| alma_mater = Vrije Universiteit
| signature = Hans Vijlbrief signature.svg
}}
Johannes Alexander "Hans" Vijlbrief (born 17 August 1963) is a Dutch civil servant, economist, and politician, currently serving as a member of parliament for the social-liberal party Democrats 66 (D66). He previously served as State Secretary for the Extractive Industries in the Fourth Rutte cabinet.
Vijlbrief started his career at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, after earning his doctorate at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in 1992. Subsequently, he worked at the Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB) before returning to Economic Affairs, where he filled several positions as director and director-general. Vijlbrief was appointed Treasurer-General of the Ministry of Finance in 2011, and occupied that post until he became president of the advisory body Eurogroup Working Group six and a half years later. He had been a member of that group while serving as Treasurer-General, assisting Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem.
Just after he had been re-elected at the working group, Vijlbrief was appointed State Secretary for Finance together with Alexandra van Huffelen in January 2020. He succeeded Menno Snel, who had resigned as a result of the childcare benefits scandal, and became responsible for the Tax Administration and tax affairs. Vijlbrief was elected to the House of Representatives in 2021, but he left this position upon his appointment as State Secretary for the Extractive Industries as part of the new fourth Rutte cabinet in January 2022. He was again elected to the House in November 2023, and his term as state secretary ended in July 2024.
Early life and education
Vijlbrief was born on 17 August 1963 in Voorschoten, a village in South Holland close to Leiden.{{Cite web |url = https://www.government.nl/government/members-of-cabinet/hans-vijlbrief/curriculum-vitae |title = Curriculum vitae Hans Vijlbrief |website = Government of the Netherlands |access-date = 3 March 2020 }} His father, Johan, was a sales manager at beverage company Riedel and would later found his own bottler.{{Cite news |newspaper = Leidsch Dagblad |language = nl |date = 3 January 2022 |last = Simons |first = Wilfred |title = Een derde van de nieuwe kabinetsleden komt uit 'Leiden' - stad mag zich hofleverancier noemen |trans-title = A third of the new cabinet members are from Leiden - city could call itself a major supplier }}
He attended the high school Visser 't Hooft Lyceum in Leiden, earning his atheneum diploma in 1981. Thereafter, he studied general economics at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam until 1987. He continued studying at the university, receiving his doctorate in economics in 1992. His dissertation was titled Unemployment insurance and the Dutch labour market.{{Cite web |url = https://www.tinbergen.nl/list-of-phd-theses/keywords=Vijlbrief |title = List of PhD Theses |website = Tinbergen Institute |access-date = 14 March 2020 }}
Early career
After obtaining his PhD, Vijlbrief started working at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, where he filled a number of positions at the directorate General Economic Policy. Minister Hans Wijers appointed him as interim director of that division in 1997. Besides, he became director at Erasmus University Rotterdam of the Research Centre for Financial Economic Policy, a part-time job, the next year.
He left the Ministry to work as deputy director at the Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB) in 1999. Vijlbrief has told that he later came to regret the move, calling the agency "too quiet" and lacking in pressure.{{Cite news |url = https://vumagazine.vu.nl/eventually-i-can-force-myself-to-get-it-done |title = Eventually I can force myself to get it done |access-date = 21 March 2020 |date = 14 March 2018 |last = Jak |first = Hedy |website = VU Magazine }} He also became an endowed professor in 2000 at the Vrije Universiteit, his alma mater, specialized in economic policy, and he simultaneously quit his job in Rotterdam.{{Cite press release |url = https://www.algemenebestuursdienst.nl/actueel/nieuws/2011/06/01/hans-vijlbrief-thesaurier-generaal-bij-financien |title = Hans Vijlbrief thesaurier-generaal bij Financiën |publisher = Dutch Senior Civil Service |access-date = 10 March 2020 |language = Dutch |date = 1 June 2011 }}
Vijlbrief returned to the Ministry of Economic Affairs in 2001 in the position of director of General Economic Policy. In July 2004, Minister Laurens Jan Brinkhorst promoted him to Director-General for Economic Policy.{{Cite news |url = https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2018/01/22/klassieke-west-wing-ambtenaar-die-het-met-iedereen-goed-kan-vinden-a1589264 |access-date = 21 March 2020 |language = Dutch |website = NRC Handelsblad |title = Klassieke West Winger die het met iedereen goed kan vinden |date = 22 January 2018 |last1 = Witt Wijnen |first1 = Philip de |last2 = Pak |first2 = Victor }}{{Cite news |url = http://www.infrasite.nl/news/news_articles.php?ID_nieuwsberichten=12537 |title = Vijlbrief benoemd tot directeur-generaal Energie en Telecom bij EZ |website = Infrasite.nl |access-date = 21 March 2020 |language = Dutch |date = 18 February 2009 }} While in this position, Vijlbrief also chaired a re-evaluation group called "Security and Terrorism" (2009–2010).{{Cite web |url = https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/brochures/2011/07/01/cv-thesaurier-generaal-dr-j-a-vijlbrief-hans |access-date = 21 March 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180112095039/https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/brochures/2011/07/01/cv-thesaurier-generaal-dr-j-a-vijlbrief-hans |archive-date = 12 January 2018 |website = Rijksoverheid |language = Dutch |title = CV Hans Vijlbrief, thesaurier-generaal |date = 4 December 2013 |format = PDF }}
Starting in February 2010, he served as Director-General for Energy, Telecommunications, and Markets. Vijlbrief's former position was subsequently eliminated. Its responsibilities were transferred to the secretary-general (general economic policy and EU matters) and his new job (competition and consumer policy). His professorship at the Vrije Universiteit came to an end that same year. Vijlbrief, who had been a member of D66 since 2008, also became more politically involved, helping write the party's election program for the 2010 general election.{{Cite news |url = https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/in-het-hart-van-de-schuldencrisis~b2cbbb43/ |title = In het hart van de schuldencrisis |website = De Volkskrant |access-date = 10 March 2020 |language = Dutch |date = 21 July 2011 |last = Douwes |first = Douwe }}{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/profiel/1332528/een-groene-doener-en-minzame-crisismanager-voor-de-belastingdienst |last1 = Ruitenbeek |first1 = Alex |last2 = Jonker |first2 = Ulko |date = 27 January 2020 |language = Dutch |access-date = 13 March 2020 |title = Een groene doener én een minzame crisismanager voor de Belastingdienst |website = Het Financieele Dagblad }} Moreover, Vijlbrief led Maria van der Hoeven's successful campaign to get appointed Executive Director of the International Energy Agency in 2011.
Treasurer-General and Eurogroup Working Group (2011–20)
Vijlbrief served as the Treasurer-General of the Ministry of Finance starting in July 2011, after he was appointed by the Council of Ministers. His predecessor, Ronald Gerritse, had vacated the position when he became chairman of the Authority for the Financial Markets. The position also included membership of the Eurogroup Working Group (EWG), an advisory body responsible for preparing the monthly meetings of the Eurogroup.{{Cite news |url = https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/hans-vijlbrief-een-financieel-en-organisatorisch-zwaargewicht-voor-de-belastingdienst~b4ff92e4/ |title = Hans Vijlbrief: een financieel en organisatorisch zwaargewicht voor de Belastingdienst |language = Dutch |website = De Volkskrant |access-date = 5 March 2020 |date = 26 January 2020 |last = Peeperkorn |first = Marc }} Besides, Vijlbrief was chairman of the Economic Policy Committee, a European advisory body, between 2012 and 2014.{{Cite web |url = https://www.parlement.com/id/vl5nasxkt5f4/j_a_hans_vijlbrief |title = Dr. J.A. (Hans) Vijlbrief |access-date = 15 January 2022 |language = Dutch |website = Parlement.com |publisher = Parlementair Documentatie Centrum }}
In his position at the Eurogroup, Vijlbrief worked for a number of years together with Jeroen Dijsselbloem, when he was Minister of Finance and President of the Eurogroup, on handling the Greek and European debt crises.{{Cite news |url = https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/de-invloedrijkste-nederlander-in-brussel-door-de-wol-geverfde-topambtenaar-hans-vijlbrief~b3a16589/ |title = De invloedrijkste Nederlander in Brussel: door de wol geverfde topambtenaar Hans Vijlbrief |date = 8 January 2018 |access-date = 7 March 2020 |language = Dutch |website = De Volkskrant }} He also managed the two campaigns to get Dijsselbloem elected Eurogroup president.{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/profiel/1233119/schaduwminister-wordt-onderkoning-eurogroep |title = Schaduwminister Hans Vijlbrief wordt onderkoning Eurogroep |last = Jonker |first = Ulko |access-date = 12 March 2020 |language = Dutch |website = Het Financieele Dagblad |date = 19 December 2017 }} In March 2014, Vijlbrief was chosen to chair the board of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), the eurozone's emergency fund to address government debt.{{Cite news |url = https://www.trouw.nl/nieuws/personalia~bc790138/ |title = personalia |date = 25 March 2014 |access-date = 19 March 2020 |language = Dutch |website = Trouw }} He had been a member of the body's board since 2011 and was also serving on its Risk Committee.{{Cite news |url = https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2014/03/25/eurocrisis-nederlander-vijlbrief-wordt-toezichtho-1360053-a1392140 |title = Nederlander Vijlbrief wordt toezichthouder bij noodfonds |date = 25 March 2014 |website = NRC Handelsblad |access-date = 21 March 2020 |language = Dutch }}{{Cite web |url = https://www.esm.europa.eu/board-of-directors/esm/hans-vijlbrief |title = Hans Vijlbrief |access-date = 21 March 2020 |website = European Stability Mechanism }} That same month, Vijlbrief became a member of the board of the European economic think tank Bruegel.{{Cite press release |url = http://bruegel.org/wp-content/uploads/imported/news/140205_Press_release_Final.pdf |title = Bruegel appoints new board |access-date = 14 March 2020 |date = 7 March 2014 |website = Bruegel }} During the 2017 Dutch general election season, he was a co-author of D66's election program.
Vijlbrief left the ministry, the EFSF, and Bruegel in 2018 to become the President of the Eurogroup Working Group starting on 1 February, succeeding Thomas Wieser.{{Cite news |url = https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/nieuwe-europese-topfunctie-voor-nederland-topambtenaar-vijlbrief-wordt-voorzitter-invloedrijke-brusselse-werkgroep~b9fffb510/ |title = Nieuwe Europese topfunctie voor Nederland: topambtenaar Vijlbrief wordt voorzitter invloedrijke Brusselse werkgroep |access-date = 8 March 2020 |language = Dutch |website = De Volkskrant |date = 14 December 2017 |last = Peeperkorn |first = Marc }}{{Cite web |url = https://www.bruegel.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Bruegel_Annual_Report_FINAL_Online3.pdf |page = 80 |title = Bruegel Annual Report 2017 |website = Bruegel |date = 17 May 2018 |access-date = 14 March 2020 }} He was elected by the members of the EWG in December after his candidacy had received support from the Dutch cabinet and his only opponent had withdrawn. The decision was later ratified by the Eurogroup itself. Vijlbrief simultaneously became president of the Economic and Financial Committee.{{Cite press release |url = https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2018/01/22/eurogroup-hans-vijlbrief-appointed-president-of-the-eurogroup-working-group/ |title = Eurogroup: Hans Vijlbrief appointed President of the Eurogroup working group |date = 22 January 2018 |access-date = 21 March 2020 |website = European Council }} While leading the EWG, he unsuccessfully worked on creating a common European deposit insurance. Vijlbrief also started working as endowed professor at the University of Amsterdam specialized in European economic and financial policy in September 2018.{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/profiel/1267805/personalia-3-9-2018 |date = 3 September 2018 |language = Dutch |access-date = 14 March 2020 |website = Het Financieele Dagblad |title = Personalia 3-9-2018 }} When his two-year term as president was about to end, Vijlbrief was reappointed for another term in December 2019.{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1327186/nederlander-vijlbrief-herbenoemd-in-brusselse-topfunctie-bij-eurogroep |title = Hans Vijlbrief herbenoemd in Brusselse topfunctie bij Eurogroep |access-date = 11 March 2020 |language = Dutch |website = Het Financieele Dagblad |date = 5 December 2019 |last = Cats |first = Ria }}
State Secretary for Finance (2020–22)
After State Secretary for Finance Menno Snel resigned in December 2019, it was made public on 26 January that he would be succeeded by Vijlbrief and Alexandra van Huffelen.{{Cite news |url = https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/vijlbrief-en-van-huffelen-worden-staatssecretaris-financien~b06cc93d/ |title = Vijlbrief en Van Huffelen worden staatssecretaris Financiën |last1 = Stoker |first1 = Elsbeth |last2 = Peeperkorn |first2 = Marc |language = Dutch |access-date = 8 March 2020 |website = De Volkskrant |date = 26 January 2020 }} Snel resigned after thousands of recipients of childcare benefits had been wrongfully considered fraudsters and had been forced to pay back the money. Some of them had received mostly blacked out pages after they had asked for their records.{{Cite news |url = https://nos.nl/artikel/2315307-staatssecretaris-snel-treedt-af-na-toeslagenaffaire.html |title = Staatssecretaris Snel treedt af na toeslagenaffaire |date = 18 December 2020 |language = Dutch |access-date = 12 March 2020 |website = Nederlandse Omroep Stichting }}{{Cite news |url = https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/nieuws/politiek/artikel/5053391/belastingdienst-kinderopvangtoeslag-comensatie-toeslagenaffaire |title = Advies aan kabinet: compensatie voor meer ouders toeslagenaffaire |website = RTL Nieuws |language = Dutch |date = 12 March 2020 |access-date = 12 March 2020 }} Weeks before Vijlbrief and Van Huffelen were put forward, Minister of Finance Wopke Hoekstra had decided that benefits ({{lang|nl|toeslagen}}) and customs would be spun off from the Tax Administration.{{Cite news |url = https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2020/01/11/hoekstra-douane-en-toeslagen-geen-onderdelen-meer-van-belastingdienst-a3986526 |title = Hoekstra: Douane en Toeslagen geen onderdeel meer van Belastingdienst |last = Dupuy |first = Lisa |date = 11 January 2020 |website = NRC Handelsblad |access-date = 8 March 2020 |language = Dutch }}
Vijlbrief was sworn in as "State Secretary for Finance - Tax Affairs and the Tax Administration" by King Willem-Alexander at palace Huis ten Bosch on 29 January.{{Cite press release |url = https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/regering/bewindspersonen/hans-vijlbrief/nieuws/2020/01/28/benoeming-staatssecretarissen-vijlbrief-en-van-huffelen |title = Benoeming staatssecretarissen Vijlbrief en Van Huffelen |date = 28 January 2020 |website = Rijksoverheid |language = Dutch |access-date = 4 March 2020 }} His colleague, Van Huffelen, became in charge of benefits and customs.{{Cite web |url = https://www.government.nl/government/members-of-cabinet |title = Members of the government |website = Government of the Netherlands |date = 17 April 2015 |access-date = 4 March 2020 }} Vijlbrief became responsible for tax affairs; Tax Administration (including the FIOD); financial relations between the national government and decentralized governments; export credit insurance and facilities; Holland Casino and the Dutch Lottery; currency; and Domains Movable Property.{{Cite web |url = https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/regering/bewindspersonen/hans-vijlbrief/taken |access-date = 4 March 2020 |language = Dutch |website = Rijksoverheid |title = Taken staatssecretaris Vijlbrief }} He is also in charge of working out plans for aviation and carbon taxes.{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1332591/d66ers-vijlbrief-en-van-huffelen-nieuwe-staatssecretarissen-financien |website = Het Financieele Dagblad |title = D66 zet zwaargewichten in als nieuwe staatssecretarissen Financiën |date = 26 January 2020 |language = Dutch |access-date = 13 March 2020 }} Simultaneously with his appointment, he resigned from his positions at the Eurogroup and the University of Amsterdam. Shortly before his term started, Vijlbrief declared that he was planning "to make the Tax Administration boring again".{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1332818/vijlbrief-belastingdienst-weer-saai-maken |title = Vijlbrief: Belastingdienst weer saai maken |date = 28 January 2020 |language = Dutch |access-date = 12 March 2020 |website = Het Financieele Dagblad }}
= Taxation =
One week after his appointment as State Secretary, Vijlbrief announced that the organization would start working with construction and health care trade associations in order to tackle pseudo self-employment. He also said that the organization would work with trade associations in other sectors later on.{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1333583/fiscus-schakelt-sector-in-bij-toezicht-zzp |access-date = 12 March 2020 |language = Dutch |website = Het Financieele Dagblad |title = Fiscus schakelt sector in bij toezicht zzp |date = 4 February 2020 }} Vijlbrief's aviation tax on all plane tickets passed the House of Representatives in April 2020.{{Cite news |title = Tweede Kamer stemt in met ticketbelasting |date = 2 April 2020 |page = 4 |language = Dutch |newspaper = NRC Handelsblad }}
In June, he announced that he would not follow through on his predecessor's plan to overhaul the savings and investment tax system, calling the plan legally untenable. Snel wanted to tax savings and investments based on their respective expected returns, causing taxes on savings to decrease and taxes on stocks and other investments to increase.{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1348988/vijlbrief-schrapt-plan-voor-aanpassing-spaartaks |title = Hans Vijlbrief schrapt plan voor aanpassing spaartaks |website = Het Financieele Dagblad |access-date = 3 August 2020 |language = Dutch |date = 23 June 2020 }} A year later, after an investigation, Vijlbrief advised the next cabinet to change the savings and investment taxes such that they reflect actual returns.{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1388764/werkelijk-rendement-in-box-3-belasten-complex-maar-deels-haalbaar-vmg1caZ74APc |website = Het Financieele Dagblad |language = nl |access-date = 13 July 2021 |url-access = subscription |date = 21 June 2021 |title = Werkelijk rendement in box 3 belasten complex maar deels haalbaar |trans-title = Taxing actual returns in box 3 complex but partly achievable }}
The Tax Administration announced in May 2020 that it would introduce a new tax on dividends in 2024 in order to counter tax avoidance.{{Cite news |url = https://www.trouw.nl/nieuws/kabinet-neemt-nieuwe-stap-om-belastingontduiking-tegen-te-gaan~b0a229b3/ |title = Kabinet neemt nieuwe stap om belastingontduiking tegen te gaan |date = 29 May 2020 |access-date = 4 August 2020 |language = Dutch |website = Trouw }} After the cabinet's resignation in 2021, Vijlbrief advocated introducing a code of conduct to fight tax avoidance by multinationals.{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1375796/het-is-niet-de-bedoeling-dat-de-fiscus-aan-bullying-doet |url-access = subscription |language = nl |access-date = 22 March 2021 |website = Het Financieele Dagblad |date = 5 March 2021 |last = Berenstein |first = Laurens |title = Als de fiscus aan bullying zou doen, is dat niet de bedoeling |trans-title = If tax authorities were to be involved in bullying, that is not the intention }} Besides, he said that he welcomed the European Commission's more ambitious agenda concerning the issue and that he approved of a deal in the run-up to the 47th G7 summit to commit towards a global minimum corporate tax rate.{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1384382/brussel-voert-strijd-tegen-belastingontwijking-door-bedrijven-verder-op-l2e1caCRezJA |website = Het Financieele Dagblad |language = nl |access-date = 29 May 2021 |date = 18 May 2021 |last = Cats |first = Ria |title = Brussel voert strijd tegen belastingontwijking door bedrijven verder op |trans-title = Brussels steps up fight against tax avoidance by companies |url-access = subscription }}{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1386675/historisch-akkoord-g7-effent-weg-voor-mondiale-minimumtaks-multinationals-ktf1cam3w0Sy |website = Het Financieele Dagblad |access-date = 20 June 2021 |language = nl |url-access = subscription |last = Berentsen |first = Laurens |date = 6 June 2021 |title = Historisch akkoord G7 effent weg voor mondiale minimumtaks multinationals |trans-title = Historic G7 agreement smoothens the road towards a global minimum tax for multinationals }}
= Childcare benefits scandal =
At the end of February 2020, Trouw and RTL Nieuws reported that the Tax Administration had been using a blacklist containing the names of about 180,000 suspected fraudsters called the {{lang|nl|Fraude Signaleringsvoorziening}}. An internal report had concluded one year earlier that the list violated privacy legislation.{{Cite news |url = https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/weer-valt-er-een-lijk-uit-de-kast-van-de-belastingdienst-fiscus-hield-toch-een-zwarte-lijst-bij~bff6ea14/ |title = Weer valt er een lijk uit de kast van de Belastingdienst: fiscus hield tóch een zwarte lijst bij |last = Hofs |first = Yvonne |date = 2 March 2020 |website = De Volkskrant |access-date = 8 March 2020 |language = Dutch }}{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1336938/vijlbrief-al-in-zwaar-weer-over-zwarte-lijst-belastingdienst |access-date = 11 March 2020 |language = Dutch |title = Vijlbrief al in zwaar weer over 'zwarte lijst' Belastingdienst |last = Jonker |first = Ulko |date = 4 March 2020 |website = Het Financieele Dagblad }} The plug was pulled on the blacklist after journalists had obtained the report – days before the news articles were published. Vijlbrief sent a letter to the House of Representatives disclosing the blacklist two days after it had been revealed. He also told the House that officials at the Tax Administration had unjustly blacked out a paragraph about the blacklist in a document that the organization had been forced to disclose earlier in order to cover up the story. Vijlbrief's predecessor had repeatedly denied the existence of such a list. Vijlbrief called the list an unpleasant surprise and called the problems of the Tax Administration "enormous".{{Cite news |url = https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/belastingdienst-verdoezelde-bestaan-zwarte-lijst-van-mogelijke-fraudeurs~bb1dfb64/ |website = De Volkskrant |date = 4 March 2020 |last = Hofs |first = Yvonne |title = Belastingdienst verdoezelde bestaan zwarte lijst van mogelijke fraudeurs |access-date = 8 March 2020 |language = Dutch }} In the surrounding weeks, he had to inform the House about a number of other issues concerning the organization; the Tax Administration had not paid back wrongful reminder fees, there had been small mistakes in the calculation of two tax rates, and the organization had failed to collect debts before becoming statute-barred.{{Cite news |url = https://www.ad.nl/politiek/belastingdienst-laat-schulden-verjaren-en-kan-naar-centen-fluiten~a07c20be/ |title = Belastingdienst laat schulden verjaren en kan naar centen fluiten |website = Algemeen Dagblad |date = 27 February 2020 |language = Dutch |access-date = 19 March 2020 |last = Kok |first = Laurens }}{{Cite news |url = https://nos.nl/artikel/2325513-belastingdienst-betaalde-31-miljoen-aan-onterechte-aanmaningskosten-niet-terug.html |website = Nederlandse Omroep Stichting |access-date = 19 March 2020 |language = Dutch |date = 2 March 2020 |title = Belastingdienst betaalde 31 miljoen aan onterechte aanmaningskosten niet terug }}
In May 2020, Vijlbrief and Van Huffelen filed a criminal complaint for official misconduct against the Tax Administration they lead in reaction to the childcare benefits scandal. They alleged that civil servants had knowingly collected money from citizens who did not owe money and that they had discriminated on the basis of race.{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1345365/staatssecretarisen-doen-aangifte-wegens-ambtsmisdrijven-bij-dienst-toeslagen-belastingdienst |title = Toeslagenaffaire escaleert: staatssecretarissen doen aangifte tegen hun eigen Belastingdienst |date = 19 May 2020 |access-date = 4 August 2020 |language = Dutch |website = Het Financieele Dagblad }} In addition, four high-ranking officials were asked to step aside.{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1345961/belastingdienst-in-shock-nu-zijn-we-allemaal-vogelvrij |title = Belastingdienst in shock: 'Nu zijn we allemaal vogelvrij' |last = Jonker |first = Ulko |date = 26 May 2020 |language = Dutch |access-date = 4 August 2020 |website = Het Financieele Dagblad }} The public prosecutor's office later announced that it would not conduct a criminal investigation despite the criminal complaint.{{Cite news |url = https://nos.nl/artikel/2363409-geen-strafrechtelijk-onderzoek-naar-belastingdienst-in-toeslagenaffaire.html |date = 7 January 2021 |access-date = 8 January 2021 |language = Dutch |title = Geen strafrechtelijk onderzoek naar Belastingdienst in toeslagenaffaire |website = Nederlandse Omroep Stichting }} When Trouw and RTL Nieuws reported in July that the Tax Administration had wrongfully labeled citizens paying income tax as fraudsters based on suspicions, Vijlbrief and Van Huffelen temporarily shut down the registration systems for fraud.{{Cite news |url = https://www.trouw.nl/binnenland/kabinet-legt-werk-omstreden-fraudeteam-van-belastingdienst-stil~bd957a57/ |title = Kabinet legt werk omstreden fraudeteam van Belastingdienst stil |date = 10 July 2020 |access-date = 4 August 2020 |language = Dutch |website = Trouw }}
An investigation concluded in late 2021 that the Tax Administration's blacklist had included people who had not committed fraud and that between 5,000 and 15,000 of them had possibly been wrongfully denied debt restructuring because of their listing. Vijlbrief subsequently told that he was looking into compensating victims.{{Cite news |url = https://nos.nl/artikel/2408461-compensatie-in-de-maak-voor-gedupeerden-van-zwarte-lijst-belastingdienst |website = NOS |language = nl |access-date = 21 December 2021 |date = 6 December 2021 |title = Compensatie in de maak voor gedupeerden van zwarte lijst Belastingdienst |trans-title = Compensation in the making for victims of Tax Administration's blacklist }}
= COVID-19 pandemic =
After the COVID-19 pandemic had reached the Netherlands, the cabinet announced on 12 March 2020 that businesses with financial difficulties would be able to postpone tax payments as soon as they submitted a request.{{Cite news |url = https://www.nu.nl/coronavirus/6036949/coronamaatregelen-ondernemers-krijgen-uitstel-voor-betalen-belasting.html |website = NU.nl |access-date = 3 August 2020 |language = Dutch |title = Coronamaatregelen: ondernemers krijgen uitstel voor betalen belasting |date = 12 March 2020 }} The next week, the procedure was simplified and the interest rate on the debts was lowered to almost zero percent.{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1338384/staatssecretaris-vijlbrief-het-wordt-moeilijk-maar-we-gaan-het-wel-doen |last = Jonker |first = Ulko |title = Staatssecretaris Vijlbrief: Het wordt moeilijk, maar we gaan bedrijven helpen |website = Het Financieele Dagblad |access-date = 3 August 2020 |language = Dutch |date = 17 March 2020 }} Around 240,000 companies had taken advantage of the possibility by August.{{Cite press release |url = https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2020/08/28/belastinguitstel-tot-1-januari-ruime-terugbetalingsregeling-voor-ondernemers |title = Belastinguitstel tot 1 januari, ruime terugbetalingsregeling voor ondernemers |date = 28 August 2020 |language = Dutch |access-date = 5 September 2020 |website = Rijksoverheid }} Vijlbrief also introduced a number of other measures: he and Minister Sigrid Kaag relaxed the application conditions for export credit insurance, he created a €12 billion safety net to guarantee the payment of credit insurance, he made it possible for businesses to deduct their losses from their corporate tax bill earlier, and he and Minister Kajsa Ollongren provided €1.5 billion to aid municipal and provincial governments.{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1339491/kabinet-schiet-exporterende-bedrijven-te-hulp |website = Het Financieele Dagblad |language = Dutch |access-date = 3 August 2020 |title = Kabinet schiet exporterende bedrijven te hulp |date = 26 March 2020 |last = Knoop |first = Bas }}{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/ondernemen/1340652/kabinet-verwacht-1-mrd-te-verliezen-op-miljardensteun-voor-leverancierskrediet |title = Kabinet verwacht €1 mrd te verliezen op miljardensteun voor leverancierskrediet |date = 7 April 2020 |language = Dutch |website = Het Financieele Dagblad |last1 = Leupen |first1 = Johan |last2 = Betlem |first2 = Rutger |access-date = 4 August 2020 }}{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1342458/coronaverliezen-fiscaal-ruimer-aftrekbaar |title = Coronaverliezen fiscaal ruimer aftrekbaar |date = 24 April 2020 |access-date = 4 August 2020 |language = Dutch |website = Het Financieele Dagblad }}{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1355717/kabinet-trekt-nog-eens-777-mln-extra-uit-voor-coronasteun-aan-gemeenten-en-provincies |website = Het Financieele Dagblad |language = Dutch |access-date = 5 September 2020 |date = 31 August 2020 |title = Kabinet trekt €777 mln extra uit voor steun aan gemeenten en provincies |last = Knoop |first = Bas }} Vijlbrief and his colleague Eric Wiebes also assisted in saving shipbuilder Royal IHC from bankruptcy.{{Cite news |url = https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/economie/bedrijven/artikel/5107741/scheepsbouwer-ihc-gered-met-staatssteun-ter-waarde-van-325 |title = Scheepsbouwer IHC gered met staatssteun ter waarde van 325 miljoen |date = 30 April 2020 |access-date = 5 August 2020 |language = Dutch |website = RTL Nieuws }}
Vijlbrief decided in June that companies registered in tax havens would not be eligible for subsidies related to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1348414/geen-staatssteun-meer-voor-bedrijven-met-vestigingen-in-belastingparadijzen |last = Velden |first = Lisa van der |title = Geen staatssteun voor bedrijven met vestigingen in belastingparadijzen |date = 19 June 2020 |access-date = 4 August 2020 |website = Het Financieele Dagblad |language = Dutch }} The cabinet later proposed an additional measure worth €4 billion called the {{lang|nl|Baangerelateerde Investeringskorting}} (BIK) to stimulate the economy: companies would be able to deduct investments from their payroll tax bill in the following two years. Opposition parties in the House of Representatives attacked the program, calling it a handout to corporations.{{Cite news |url = https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2020/10/05/kabinet-steekt-4-miljard-euro-in-bedrijfsinvesteringen-a4014742 |title = Kabinet steekt 4 miljard euro in bedrijfsinvesteringen |website = NRC Handelsblad |access-date = 24 October 2020 |language = Dutch |date = 5 October 2020 |last = Van Unen |first = David }} The cabinet later withdrew the plan after it had received an indication from the European Commission that the plan would likely constitute state aid and that it would therefore be rejected.{{Cite news |url = https://nos.nl/artikel/2382676-omstreden-belastingkorting-van-4-miljard-voor-bedrijven-sneuvelt-alsnog |title = Omstreden belastingkorting van 4 miljard voor bedrijven sneuvelt alsnog |trans-title = Controversial €4 billion tax credit for companies still falls |language = nl |access-date = 29 May 2021 |website = NOS |date = 28 May 2021 }}
= Cabinet resignation and 2021 election =
When the third Rutte cabinet resigned on 15 January 2021 due to the childcare benefits scandal, Vijlbrief became demissionary state secretary and stayed in that position until the installation of the fourth Rutte cabinet in January 2022.{{Cite news |url = https://nos.nl/collectie/13855/artikel/2364513-kabinet-rutte-iii-gevallen-wiebes-helemaal-weg |website = Nederlandse Omroep Stichting |language = Dutch |date = 15 January 2021 |access-date = 15 January 2021 |title = Kabinet-Rutte III gevallen; Wiebes helemaal weg }} He ran for member of parliament in the March 2021 general election, appearing as the twelfth candidate on D66's party list.{{Cite news |url = https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/365376129/d66-leden-stemmen-nieuwkomers-omlaag |website = De Telegraaf |access-date = 13 December 2020 |language = nl |date = 2 December 2020 |title = D66-leden stemmen nieuwkomers omlaag |trans-title = D66 members vote down newcomers }} He was elected with 947 preference votes.{{Cite web |url = https://www.kiesraad.nl/adviezen-en-publicaties/proces-verbalen/2021/03/26/uitslag-tweede-kamerverkiezing-17-maart-2021 |format = PDF |title = Uitslag Tweede Kamerverkiezing 17 maart 2021 |trans-title = Results general election 17 March 2021 |page = 223 |access-date = 26 March 2021 |date = 26 March 2021 |website = Kiesraad |language = nl }} Due to his position as demissionary state secretary, D66 did not give Vijlbrief a specialty in the House or permanent membership of any committee.{{Cite web |url = https://d66.nl/mensen/hans-vijlbrief/ |title = Hans Vijlbrief |website = D66 |access-date = 14 April 2021 |language = nl }}{{Cite web |url = https://www.houseofrepresentatives.nl/members_of_parliament/members_of_parliament/vijlbrief-ja-d66 |website = Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal |title = Hans Vijlbrief |access-date = 14 April 2021 }} He vacated his seat when he became state secretary in January 2022.
State Secretary for the Extractive Industries (2022–24)
Vijlbrief became State Secretary for the Extractive Industries on 10 January 2022, when the fourth Rutte cabinet was sworn in by the king. He was part of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, and he was mainly concerned with damage and problems in the province of Groningen caused by earthquakes induced by natural gas extraction from the Groningen field.{{Cite news |url = https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/wie-zijn-de-negen-nieuwe-staatssecretarissen~b17877dd/ |website = de Volkskrant |language = nl |access-date = 15 January 2022 |last1 = Bormans |first1 = Abel |last2 = Du Pré |first2 = Raoul |title = Wie zijn de negen nieuwe staatssecretarissen? |trans-title = Who are the nine new state secretaries? }} His complete portfolio was National Mines Inspectorate, mining, gas extraction Groningen and consequences (both claims handling and reinforcement), Groningen Mining Damage Institute, National Coordinator for Groningen, and competition policy.{{Cite web |url = https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/regering/bewindspersonen/hans-vijlbrief |language = nl |website = Rijksoverheid |access-date = 15 January 2022 |title = Hans Vijlbrief |date = 10 January 2022 }} Vijlbrief decided to work from Groningen a few days a month to connect with its citizens.{{Cite news |url = https://www.trouw.nl/binnenland/vijlbrief-lijkt-het-meeste-gevoel-te-hebben-voor-de-groningers~b682ef07/ |website = Trouw |access-date = 21 January 2023 |language = nl |date = 10 October 2022 |last = Van der Wurff |first = Hannah |title = 'Vijlbrief lijkt het meeste gevoel te hebben voor de Groningers' |trans-title = 'Vijlbrief seems to have the most sympathy for the residents of Groningen' }}
= Induced earthquakes in Groningen =
The previous cabinet had promised that extraction from the Groningen field, active since 1963, would be stopped as soon as possible. However, less than a week prior to Vijlbrief's swearing in, his predecessor – Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy Stef Blok – had announced that the planned gas extraction in 2021/22 would be increased from {{convert|3.9|e9m3}} to {{convert|7.6|e9m3}} due to a delay in the construction of a nitrogen plant, which would allow for higher gas imports, and due to a rise in contractual deliveries to Germany.{{Cite news |url = https://www.metronieuws.nl/in-het-nieuws/binnenland/2022/01/iedereen-boos-om-extra-gaswinning-groningen/ |website = Metro |language = nl |access-date = 15 January 2022 |date = 7 January 2022 |last = Jonk |first = Erik |title = Iedereen boos om extra gaswinning Groningen, hoe zit het precies? |trans-title = Everybody angry about additional gas extraction Groningen, what is happening exactly? }}{{Cite news |url = https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/1069359/1-oktober-is-het-zover-gaskraan-gaat-na-60-jaar-dicht |website = RTV Noord |language = nl |access-date = 8 October 2023 |last = Drent |first = Martin |date = 22 September 2023 |title = 1 oktober is het zover: gaskraan gaat na 60 jaar dicht |trans-title = 1 October will be the day: Gas wells close after 60 years }} Besides, on Vijlbrief's first day in office, applications for a €220 million subsidy fund to provide €10,000 to people living inside Groningen's seismic zone opened, which ran out of money on that same day. Vijlbrief decided to raise the amount of money allocated to the subsidy by €250 million days later.{{Cite news |url = https://www.ad.nl/politiek/kabinet-stopt-250-miljoen-extra-in-subsidiepot-groningen~a38fc31d/ |title = Kabinet stopt 250 miljoen extra in subsidiepot Groningen |trans-title = Cabinet puts another 250 million in Groningen subsidy fund |language = nl |website = AD |access-date = 15 January 2022 |date = 14 January 2022 }} He also told on his first day as state secretary that he would look if he could do anything about the increased gas extraction before a deadline on 1 April, and he finally announced the extraction for 2021/22 would end up being {{convert|4.5|e9m3}} as a result of a warm winter and a more efficient utilization of existing nitrogen plants.{{Cite news |url = https://www.ad.nl/groningen/vijlbrief-nog-eens-goed-kijken-naar-extra-gaswinning-groningen~ac9443a0/ |website = AD |language = nl |access-date = 15 January 2022 |date = 10 January 2022 |title = Vijlbrief: nog eens goed kijken naar extra gaswinning Groningen |trans-title = Vijlbrief: will take a close look at extra gas extraction Groningen }}{{Cite news |url = https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/nieuws/politiek/artikel/5294749/toch-groningen-oorlog-kabinet-vijlbrief-gasjaar-iets-minder-gas |website = RTL Nieuws |date = 14 March 2022 |title = Minder gas uit Groningen nodig dan gevreesd door milde winter |trans-title = Less gas from Groningen needed than feared due to mild winter |access-date = 26 March 2022 |language = nl }}
The Russian invasion of Ukraine at the same time led to increasing natural gas prices and to European countries wanting to become less energy-dependent on Russia. Vijlbrief clarified that the Groningen gas field would not be used to compensate except for in the most extreme of conditions.{{Cite news |title = Wat betekent afsluiten Russisch gas voor ons? |date = 31 May 2022 |language = nl |newspaper = IJmuider Courant |trans-title = What does the cut off of Russian gas mean for us? |page = 4 }} He cited a report by the National Mines Inspectorate, which stated that it would be dangerous for Groningen inhabitants due to the threat of earthquakes, but ignored another report by the Mijnraad, which stated that not preparing for additional extraction could threaten a reliable supply of gas.{{Cite news |url = https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/929584/vijlbrief-verkiest-veiligheid-boven-mijnraad-advies-groningen-is-geen-reele-optie |website = RTV Noord |last = Mikovic |first = Mario |title = Vijlbrief verkiest veiligheid boven Mijnraad-advies: 'Groningen is géén reële optie' |language = nl |access-date = 22 July 2022 |date = 8 June 2022 |trans-title = Vijlbrief chooses safety over Mijnraad advice: 'Groningen is not a real option' }} Vijlbrief reaffirmed that gas extraction would be lowered to the amount necessary to maintain the possibility of scaling up in October 2022 and that extraction would be halted entirely in 2023 or 2024.{{Cite news |url = https://www.ad.nl/groningen/groningenveld-dit-najaar-op-waakvlam-boorputten-blijven-open~a791b7da/ |website = AD |language = nl |access-date = 22 July 2022 |date = 20 June 2022 |title = Groningenveld dit najaar op waakvlam, boorputten blijven open |trans-title = Groningen field on pilot flame later this year, boreholes remain open }} The cabinet definitively decided in late September to extract {{convert|2.8|e9m3}} in 2022/23 – the minimum quantity.{{Cite news |url = https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/09/26/groningse-gaskraan-vanaf-zaterdag-op-de-waakvlam-a4143186 |website = NRC |language = nl |access-date = 1 October 2022 |last = Van den Dungen |first = Lotje |date = 26 September 2022 |title = Groningse gaskraan vanaf zaterdag 'op de waakvlam' |trans-title = Gas extraction in Groningen 'on minimum' starting this Saturday }} European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton unsuccessfully called on the Dutch government to reconsider its decision as a result of continuing gas supply issues on the continent.{{Cite news |url = https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/groningen-weer-opgeschrikt-door-flinke-beving-vlak-voor-apotheose-parlementaire-enquete-gaswinning~b006b92b/ |website = de Volkskrant |url-access = subscription |access-date = 23 October 2022 |language = nl |title = Groningen weer opgeschrikt door flinke beving, vlak voor apotheose parlementaire enquête gaswinning |trans-title = Groningen again hit by a heavy quake, right before the climax of the parliamentary inquiry into gas extraction |date = 9 October 2022 |last = Van den Berg |first = Jurre }}
A parliamentary inquiry into the gas extraction published its report in February 2023 and concluded that profits had been prioritized over the safety of the inhabitants of Groningen. Vijlbrief declared that "the people of Groningen had been right all along".{{Cite news |url = https://www.bnr.nl/nieuws/politiek/10504973/rapport-toont-wreed-lafhartig-en-rampzalig-beleid-van-rutte |website = BNR Nieuwsradio |access-date = 6 March 2023 |language = nl |last = Lucas |first = Jorn |date = 24 February 2023 |title = Rapport toont 'wreed, lafhartig en rampzalig beleid' van Rutte |trans-title = Report shows 'cruel, cowardly, and disastrous policy' of Rutte }} Vijlbrief had also been questioned by the committee for his roles starting as Director-General for Energy, Telecommunications, and Markets.{{Cite news |website = de Volkskrant |language = nl |url-access = subscription |last = Van den Berg |first = Jurre |title = Vijlbrief ziet weinig heil in deal met Shell en Exxon over schadeloosstelling |trans-title = Vijlbrief has little trust in deal with Shell and Exxon about compensation |url = https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/vijlbrief-ziet-weinig-heil-in-deal-met-shell-en-exxon-over-schadeloosstelling~bf7e0cd5/ |date = 12 October 2022 }} Vijlbrief and Prime Minister Mark Rutte visited Garmerwolde in Groningen in May 2023 to apologize in response to the report. The cabinet announced €22 billion would be spent on Groningen – including €13.5 billion in new funds – to repair damage, to reinforce buildings, and to invest in the province for a period of 30 years – the latter to pay off a debt of honor. The province had demanded €30 billion in investments alone.{{Cite news |url = https://nos.nl/collectie/13902/artikel/2472804-groningen-krijgt-13-5-miljard-euro-extra-voor-schade-versterking-en-ereschuld |website = NOS |language = nl |access-date = 14 May 2023 |title = Groningen krijgt 13,5 miljard euro extra voor schade, versterking en 'ereschuld' |trans-title = Groningen receives €13.5 billion additionally for damage, reinforcements, and debt of honor |date = 25 April 2023 }} The cabinet announced the following month that gas extraction in Groningen would be ceased starting 1 October 2023.{{Cite news |website = BNR Nieuwsradio |language = nl |access-date = 26 June 2023 |url = https://www.bnr.nl/nieuws/duurzaamheid/10516793/officieel-besluit-kabinet-vanaf-1-oktober-geen-gaswinning-in-groningen-meer |date = 23 June 2023 |title = Officieel besluit kabinet: 1 oktober stopt gaswinning in Groningen |trans-title = Official cabinet decision: Gas extraction in Groningen will stop on 1 October }} Gas wells would be dismantled a year later to still allow for extraction in the meantime in case of emergency.{{Cite news |url = https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/09/23/groningen-gaswinning-in-groningen-stopt-in-oktober-2024-a4175273 |website = NRC |language = nl |access-date = 8 October 2023 |date = 23 September 2023 |url-access = subscription |title = Gaswinning in Groningen stopt in oktober 2024 |trans-title = Gas extraction in Groningen will stop in October 2024 }} Due to cold weather, limited gas extraction was restarted in January 2024.{{Cite news |url = https://www.trouw.nl/duurzaamheid-economie/heel-koud-is-het-nog-niet-toch-gaat-het-gasveld-in-groningen-op-waakvlamniveau~b38a88dc/ |website = Trouw |access-date = 8 January 2024 |date = 8 January 2024 |last = Marselis |first = Daan |title = Heel koud is het nog niet, toch gaat het gasveld in Groningen op 'waakvlamniveau' |trans-title = It is not yet very cold, still the Groningen gas field will go to its minimally required extraction to allow for upscaling |url-access = subscription }} Vijlbrief introduced a bill to make the wells unusable, and he threatened to resign when the Senate voted to postpone its treatment.{{Cite news |url = https://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/vijlbrief-dreigt-met-opstappen-als-eerste-kamer-sluiting-groninger-gasveld-uitstelt~b4caa9f1/ |url-access = subscription |date = 3 April 2024 |last = Van den Berg |first = Jurre |access-date = 3 April 2024 |language = nl |website = de Volkskrant |title = Vijlbrief dreigt met opstappen als Eerste Kamer sluiting Groninger gasveld uitstelt |trans-title = Vijlbrief threatens with resignation if Senate postpones closure Groningen gas field }} The bill was passed in April 2024.{{Cite news |url = https://nos.nl/artikel/2517057-groninger-gasveld-gaat-definitief-dicht-eerste-kamer-stemt-in-met-wet-die-sluiting-regelt |date = 16 April 2024 |access-date = 17 April 2024 |language = nl |website = NOS |title = Groninger gasveld gaat definitief dicht: Eerste Kamer stemt in met wet die sluiting regelt |trans-title = Groningen gas field will be closed definitively: Senate passes bill that arranges closure }}
To make homes earthquake-resistant, Vijlbrief gave the go-ahead in 2022 for an operation to systematically strengthen all structures in the villages of Garrelsweer, Zeerijp, Wirdum, and Leermens.{{Cite news |url = https://nos.nl/artikel/2429307-groningse-dorpen-sneller-versterkt-eindelijk-actie-in-de-kern-van-het-bevingsgebied |website = NOS |access-date = 22 July 2022 |language = nl |title = Groningse dorpen sneller versterkt: 'Eindelijk actie in de kern van het bevingsgebied' |date = 18 May 2022 |trans-title = Groningen villages strengthened more quickly: 'Finally action in the core of the earthquake area' }} In June of that year, he decided to take legal action against the NAM for not paying €190 million it owed in earthquake damage compensation. The government had billed the NAM €560 million in total since 2020, but the NAM had doubts about the justification for part of that figure.{{Cite news |url = https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1443897/staatssecretaris-vijlbrief-dient-claim-in-tegen-nam-voor-openstaande-190-mln-gwg2cacVZcPB |date= 29 June 2022 |language = nl |access-date = 22 July 2022 |url-access = subscription |website = FD |title = Staatssecretaris Vijlbrief dient claim in tegen NAM voor openstaande €190 mln |trans-title = State Secretary Vijlbrief files a claim with the NAM for unpaid €190 million }}
= End of fourth Rutte cabinet =
The fourth Rutte cabinet collapsed on 7 July 2023 due to disagreements over asylum reforms and continued as a caretaker government.{{Cite news |url = https://nos.nl/collectie/13942/artikel/2481977-dit-is-wat-we-nu-weten-over-de-val-van-kabinet-rutte-iv |website = NOS |language = nl |access-date = 11 July 2023 |date = 8 July 2023 |title = Dit is wat we nu weten over de val van kabinet-Rutte IV |trans-title = This is what we know about the fall of the fourth Rutte cabinet }} Vijlbrief's term as state secretary ended on 2 July 2024, when the Schoof cabinet was sworn in.{{Cite news |url = https://nos.nl/collectie/13962/artikel/2527025-ministers-en-staatssecretarissen-kabinet-schoof-beedigd |date = 2 July 2024 |access-date = 2 July 2024 |language = nl |website = NOS |title = Ministers en staatssecretarissen kabinet-Schoof beëdigd |trans-title = Ministers and state secretaries of Schoof cabinet sworn in }}
House of Representatives (since 2023)
The collapse of the fourth Rutte cabinet triggered a November 2023 general election, and Vijlbrief was appointed chair of the committee tasked with writing D66's program.{{Cite news |url = https://www.leidschdagblad.nl/cnt/dmf20230711_71106298 |website = Leidsch Dagblad |language = nl |access-date = 17 July 2023 |date = 11 July 2023 |agency = ANP |title = Vijlbrief gaat aan de slag met nieuw verkiezingsprogramma D66 |trans-title = Vijlbrief will get started writing new D66 election program }} He decided to run for the House of Representatives despite having before mentioned he would retire.{{Cite news |url = https://dvhn.nl/groningen/Staatssecretaris-Hans-Vijlbrief-Mijnbouw-wil-straks-namens-D66-in-Tweede-Kamer.-Toer-door-Groningen-gepland-28629880.html |website = Dagblad van het Noorden |language = nl |access-date = 16 September 2023 |date = 8 September 2023 |last = Van Sluis |first = Bas |title = Staatssecretaris Hans Vijlbrief (Mijnbouw) wil straks namens D66 in Tweede Kamer. Toer door Groningen gepland |trans-title = State Secretary Hans Vijlbrief (Extractive Industries) wants to enter the House of Representatives on behalf of D66. A tour through Groningen has been planned }} He was elected as D66's third candidate, while the party won nine seats in total. When the Schoof cabinet proposed to raise the sales tax on hotel stays, sports, culture, books, and newspapers from 9% to 21% in its 2025 budget, Vijlbrief unsuccessfully negotiated on behalf of opposition parties with the governing coalition to find an alternative measure to raise funding.{{Cite news |url = https://www.ad.nl/politiek/btw-verhoging-lijkt-definitief-door-te-gaan-vijlbrief-ontstemd-het-zit-muurvast~afb64632/ |date = 1 November 2024 |last = Den Hartog |first = Tobias |access-date = 2 November 2024 |language = nl |website = |title = Btw-verhoging lijkt definitief door te gaan, Vijlbrief ontstemd: 'Het zit muurvast' |trans-title = Sales tax increase seems to be going ahead, Vijlbrief upset: 'It's at a standstill' }} Minister of Finance Eelco Heinen later promised the House that he would look for alternatives to the tax increase for sports, culture, books, and newspapers.{{Cite news |url = https://www.volkskrant.nl/politiek/omstreden-btw-verhoging-gaat-door-maar-met-terugdraaibelofte~b5b066c7/ |date = 14 November 2024 |last = Hofs |first = Yvonne |access-date = 14 November 2024 |language = nl |website = de Volkskrant |title = Omstreden btw-verhoging gaat door, maar met 'terugdraaibelofte' |trans-title = Controversial sales tax increase will be passed, but with 'promise of reversal' }}
= House committees =
- Committee for Asylum and Migration (chair)
- Public Expenditure committee
- Committee for Finance
- Committee for Social Affairs and Employment
- Committee for Housing and Spatial Planning{{Cite web |url = https://www.houseofrepresentatives.nl/members_of_parliament/members_of_parliament/vijlbrief-ja-d66-0 |website = House of Representatives |access-date = 27 December 2024 |title = Hans Vijlbrief }}
Personal life
Vijlbrief is married and has a son and a daughter.{{Cite news |url = https://www.ad.nl/alphen/hans-vijlbrief-d66-mag-zich-opmaken-voor-tweede-kamer-ik-ging-helemaal-door-het-dak~a853315c/ |title = Hans Vijlbrief (D66) mag zich opmaken voor Tweede Kamer: 'Ik ging helemaal door het dak!' |trans-title = Hans Vijlbrief (D66) can start preparing for the House of Representatives: 'I went wild!' |language = nl |website = AD |access-date = 22 March 2021 |date = 17 March 2021 |last = Garnier |first = Terence }} He met his wife, Manouche Hetzler, while he was studying at the Vrije Universiteit. His son, Sam, is also politically active, having been elected to the Kaag en Braassem municipal council in the 2022 elections on behalf of D66.{{Cite news |url = https://www.ad.nl/politiek/crisismagneet-vijlbrief-trekt-zich-het-leed-van-gedupeerden-erg-aan-het-gaat-door-merg-en-been~ac114a39/ |website = AD |last = Garnier |first = Terence |date = 10 July 2022 |language = nl |access-date = 22 July 2022 |title = 'Crisismagneet' Vijlbrief trekt zich het leed van gedupeerden erg aan: 'Het gaat door merg en been' |trans-title = 'Crisis magnet' Vijlbrief really cares about the suffering of the victims: 'It cuts right to the bone' |url-access = subscription }} Vijlbrief currently resides in the South Holland village of Woubrugge, and he is a supporter of football club Feyenoord.
Electoral history
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" border=2 cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 style="border: 1px #aaa solid; font-size: 90%; text-align:center;"
|+ {{sronly|Electoral history of Hans Vijlbrief}} ! scope="col" rowspan=2 |Year ! scope="col" rowspan=2 |Body ! scope="col" colspan=2 rowspan=2 |Party ! scope="col" rowspan=2 |{{abbr|2=Position on the party list|Pos.}} ! scope="col" rowspan=2 |Votes ! scope="colgroup" colspan=2 |Result ! scope="col" rowspan=2 class="unsortable" |{{abbr|2=References|Ref}}. |
| scope="col" |Party seats
! scope="col" |Individual |
|---|
| scope="row" | 2021
| style="background-color:{{party color|Democrats 66}};"| | style=text-align:right | 12 | style=text-align:right | 947 | style=text-align:right | 24 | {{yes2|Won}} |
| scope="row" | 2023
| House of Representatives | style="background-color:{{party color|Democrats 66}};"| | Democrats 66 | style=text-align:right | 3 | style=text-align:right | 10,067 | style=text-align:right | 9 | {{yes2|Won}} |
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Commonscat|Hans Vijlbrief}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-off}}
{{s-bef|before=Menno Snel}}
{{s-ttl|title=State Secretary for Finance|years=2020–2022|alongside=Alexandra van Huffelen}}
{{s-aft|after=Marnix van Rij}}
|-
{{s-non|reason=Office created}}
{{s-ttl|title=State Secretary for the Extractive Industries|years=2022–2024}}
{{s-aft|after=Eddie van Marum}}
|-
{{s-civ}}
{{s-bef|before=Ronald Gerritse}}
{{s-ttl|title=Treasurer-General|years=2011–2018}}
{{s-aft|after=Christiaan Rebergen}}
|-
{{s-dip}}
{{s-bef|before=Thomas Wieser}}
{{s-ttl|title=President of the Eurogroup Working Group|years=2018–2020}}
{{s-aft|after=Tuomas Saarenheimo}}
{{s-end}}
{{State Secretaries for Finance of the Netherlands}}
{{Third Rutte cabinet}}
{{Fourth Rutte cabinet}}
{{Members of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands, 2021–2023}}
{{Members of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands, 2023–present}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vijlbrief, Hans}}
Category:20th-century Dutch civil servants
Category:20th-century Dutch economists
Category:21st-century Dutch civil servants
Category:21st-century Dutch economists
Category:Democrats 66 politicians
Category:Academic staff of Erasmus University Rotterdam
Category:European civil servants
Category:People from Voorschoten
Category:People from Woubrugge
Category:State Secretaries for Finance of the Netherlands
Category:Academic staff of the University of Amsterdam
Category:Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam alumni