THE HAGUE, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The new Dutch government was officially sworn in on Tuesday at the Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague, more than 220 days after the general elections on November 22 last year.
Following the honorable discharge of the former government, 16 new ministers were sworn in, followed by 13 state secretaries.
The new Dutch government consists of the far-right populist Party for Freedom (PVV), the center-right party New Social Contract (NSC), the rightist People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB). These parties reached a coalition agreement on May 15.
The new Prime Minister, Dick Schoof, met with King Willem-Alexander for an introductory meeting prior to the ceremony.
The swearing-in ceremony marked the official start of the new Dutch government. The first cabinet meeting is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. One of the first tasks of the new government is to draft its program based on the coalition agreement. ■
