Sources in The Hague say that the cabinet wants to finalise Interior Minister Piet Hein Donner’s appointment as the new vice president of the Council of State before Friday of next week.

The Council of State is the Netherlands highest administrative court and highest government advisory body.

Mr Donner’s Christian Democrat party has reportedly asked Liesbeth Spies to succeed him as interior minister, but it is not yet clear whether she will accept the request. So far, she has been unavailable for comment.

Ms Spies, currently a member of the South Holland provincial executive, served as a CDA MP from 2002 until 2011, including three years as deputy parliamentary party leader.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte has repeatedly stated that a successor to the current Council of State Vice President Herman Tjeenk Willink would be announced before Christmas.

Mr Donner is expected to step down as interior minister immediately his appointment is confirmed and will assume his new duties on 1 February.

(gsh/ae)

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