Netherlands: first female finance minister

(ANSA-AFP) - The Hague, 01 JAN - For the first time in the Netherlands there will be a female finance minister. The new head of the Treasury calls Sigrid Kaag, she is 60 and a former diplomat.

    "We have ambitious plans for the next period. The Netherlands are synonymous with big choices and big investments, in education, in the climate, in a strong Europe," said Kaag speaking to Algemeen Dagblad newspaper. "The role of the finance minister is crucial in the responsible implementation of these plans."

    The work of the Dutch head of the Treasury is closely followed in the European Union as the Netherlands leads the so-called "frugal four" - with Austria, Denmark and Sevzia - which often clashes with the states of the Netherlands.Southern Europe on the issue of European spending and budget.

    Kaag held the role of interim Esteriad minister to manage the evacuation from Afghanistan and prime minister for foreign trade and development in September.

(ANSA-AFP).