Claudia van BruggenMinister for Legal Protection and Prisons
Born on 21 April 1980 in Wezep, married, 1 son
Party: Democrats ’66 (D66)
In order for the Netherlands to be safe and secure, the rule of law must be strong. At present it is under pressure. Our prisons and secure psychiatric institutions are full and navigating the justice system can be difficult. I will do my best to find solutions that are truly effective, including for the people on the work floor. And I will make sure that solutions are based on facts and figures, not incidents.
23 February 2026
Appointed Minister for Legal Protection and Prisons in the Jetten government
December 2025 – 23 February 2026
Member of the management board, Dutch Association of Mental Health and Addiction Care (GGZ)
January 2024 – 23 February 2026
Member of the management board, Mesdag (forensic care organisation), Groningen
2022 – 2025
Member of the Supervisory Committee, Ter Apel Custodial Institution
2021 – 2024
Director, Salvation Army Welfare & Healthcare, North East Netherlands
2019 – 2021
Deputy head of detention and reintegration, Zwolle Custodial Institution
2010 – 2015
Various positions at the Province of Overijssel (including supporting the legal affairs team and as Area Development Twente programme officer)
2022 – 2024
Executive MBA in Health, University of Groningen
