adOct 28, 2026, 17:15

Sick bay in the Senate: Minister and State Secretary sent home ill

State Secretary Claudia van Bruggen and Justice Minister David van Weel both fell ill and left a Senate debate on the rule of law early on Monday evening. While van Bruggen suffered a fainting spell, van Weel was sidelined by an eye infection, marking a rare instance of two cabinet members falling ill during the same session.

The Dutch Senate experienced an unusual session on Monday evening as both State Secretary Claudia van Bruggen and Minister of Justice David van Weel were forced to leave due to health issues during a debate regarding the rule of law. Van Bruggen suffered a fainting spell during the proceedings, prompting Senate President Mei Li Vos to insist she return home after a brief attempt to continue. Simultaneously, Minister van Weel developed an eye infection that visibly worsened throughout the session, leading to his early departure as well.

Representatives confirmed that both officials have since recovered, with van Weel even resuming work visits the following day. Such an occurrence is considered rare in The Hague, with officials comparing the double illness to the notable 2020 collapse of former health minister Bruno Bruins. The interrupted debate is now scheduled to resume on November 10. To mark the event, members of the Senate sent flowers to both officials as they recover.

Politics Netherlands

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Based on reporting by ad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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