Dutch Deputy Agriculture Minister Henk Bleker has taken his 32-years-younger girlfriend Barbara on an official trip to Berlin. Her presence appears to violate the rules for ministers travelling on state business. The ministry said permission was given on this occasion.

The 58-year-old Christian Democrat minister boarded a government aircraft on Thursday afternoon for a two-day visit to International Green Week, an agricultural fair in the German capital. Much to the surprise of MPs and journalists, Mr Bleker was accompanied by his 26-year-old girlfriend on the flight.

The manual given to every newly appointed minister and deputy minister specifically states that spouses and lovers should not be taken along on official trips, even if they pay their own expenses. Exceptions are only made when there are “serious reasons” to do so. In this case, no such reasons have been made public.

Mr Bleker recently hit the headlines by saying he would be willing to become leader of the Christian Democrats, if asked. To date, no other prominent party members have expressed an interest in the position, as the party continues to decline in the polls.

In a reaction, Prime Minister Mark Rutte said during his weekly press conference that “ This is a free and liberal country. Everybody is free to enter into a relationship with whoever they please.” Mr Rutte added that her presence on an official trip was not a problem either.

The prime minister said Mr Bleker had checked the rules and found no obstacles there. It is reportedly usual for partners to be invited to accompany ministers to the International Green Week.

Mr Bleker did pay his lover’s travel expenses. The prime minister said this fits with the cabinet’s ‘frugal’ image.

(gsh)

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