Dick Schoof

Born on March 8, 1957, in Santpoort, Hendrikus Wilhelmus Maria 'Dick' Schoof grew up as part of a large Catholic family. His father worked as a municipal civil servant, and his older brother, Nico, was also involved in local government. At the age of eight, the family relocated to Hengelo.

Schoof pursued higher education at Radboud University from 1975 to 1982, where he studied urban and regional planning. During his university years, he demonstrated leadership qualities by serving as the chair of Phocas, a rowing-oriented student association. This academic and social foundation provided him with the organizational skills necessary for a long career in the public sector.

Schoof’s career began in the late 1980s at the Ministry of Education and Sciences. He quickly moved into senior roles, focusing on complex administrative and security issues. From 1999 to 2003, he served as the chief director of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), where he implemented reforms to asylum procedures.

His career shifted toward national security in 2003, when he became the director-general for public order and safety at the Ministry of the Interior. He played a pivotal role in restructuring the Dutch police into a single National Police Corps. Later, as the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV) from 2013 to 2018, he managed high-stakes crises, including the aftermath of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17.

He also led the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) from 2018 to 2020, focusing on internal security and the challenges posed by radicalization.

Following the 2023 general election, the Dutch political landscape shifted, leading to the formation of a coalition government between the PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB. On May 28, 2024, Schoof was nominated as Prime Minister, becoming the first independent politician to hold the office since 1918. Sworn in on July 2, 2024, his cabinet faced immediate challenges, including intense parliamentary debates and disagreements over asylum policies.

Schoof worked to implement the coalition's governing agreement, which focused on stricter migration controls and economic reforms. Despite his efforts to maintain stability, the coalition collapsed in June 2025 following disagreements over asylum rules. Schoof continued to serve as a caretaker Prime Minister until February 2026, overseeing key initiatives such as defense spending and military aid to Ukraine.

During his final months in office, Schoof played a significant role on the international stage. As the caretaker Prime Minister, he hosted the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague. He was instrumental in maintaining unity among member nations and engaged directly with world leaders, including U.S.

President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Schoof emphasized the importance of defense spending, noting the adoption of a 5% GDP target by 2035. His leadership during this summit was described as a key moment in his tenure, highlighting his ability to navigate complex international relations and maintain diplomatic ties during a period of domestic political transition.

Schoof’s personal life reflects a balance between his demanding professional responsibilities and his commitment to physical fitness. An avid runner, he has completed 18 marathons since 1987, often using the alias 'Peter Jansen' to maintain privacy during public events. He resides in Zoetermeer with his partner, Loes Meurs, and has two daughters adopted from China.

Politically, Schoof describes himself as non-partisan. While he was a member of the Labour Party for over 30 years, he left in 2021, stating he no longer felt aligned with its views. As Prime Minister, he emphasized that while he did not belong to the coalition parties, he shared their concerns regarding immigration, social security, and international safety.

His approach to governance was rooted in his extensive experience as a civil servant, prioritizing a functional relationship between the bureaucracy and the political leadership.