Grapperhaus praises Rutte, but texts reveal 'autocratic' PM 'really made mistakes' during pandemic

Former Justice Minister Ferd Grapperhaus appeared before the parliamentary inquiry committee investigating the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. During his testimony, he praised former Prime Minister Mark Rutte as a strong leader, despite internal messages surfacing that painted a more critical picture. Private WhatsApp conversations revealed that Grapperhaus had labeled Rutte as having autocratic traits and admitted the prime minister had made mistakes, such as shaking hands publicly while simultaneously enforcing a no-handshake policy. Furthermore, the messages showed Grapperhaus used derogatory language toward other cabinet colleagues and criticized the Senate.

Grapperhaus described himself as a persistent legal advocate within the cabinet, emphasizing the importance of establishing a formal emergency law for pandemic measures. Former Interior Minister Kajsa Ollongren also testified, addressing the delays in legal frameworks and the tension surrounding measures like the curfew and coronapass. Both officials acknowledged the immense pressure and exhaustion felt during the crisis, noting that while debates were heated, they remained committed to their duties throughout the pandemic in the Netherlands.