User:Horton11/Van Buskirk government

The Van Buskirk government was inaugurated 9 January 2017 after a long formation period following the 2017 Marianan general election. The government is composed of four different parties, with Pieter Van Buskirk as Prime Minister. This is considered to be the most gender-balanced government in Mariana's history, with seven male and five female ministers.

Six ministers have been kept from the previous Wostor government, though all have been moved around from prior posts held. Most of the appointees were largely among those expected to receive a portfolio, with Henson and Belfort being more outside choices. A couple of notable politicians were not named, notably former Environment Minister Juliana Van Draak and former Prime Minister Ines Michels, who was growing in prominence again in the SDP.

Prime Minister
Pieter Van Buskirk, already interim Prime Minister from Peter Wostor's resignation on 10 May 2017 was confirmed as Prime Minister. He was previously External Affairs minister in the Michels and Helms governments, and is one of the longest serving congresspersons, with over 20 years.

Cultural Affairs
Fashion model and actress Sara Bernès has been appointed as the freshest minister, having only been elected to congress in 2017. She takes over from Jazinta Benaid.

Defense
FLP leader Eric Peitersson takes over the post of Defense Minister from David Wostor. Peitersson was previously a minister from 2005 to 2009, and will bring to the ministry years of expertise and dedication in government.

Education
ECO17's Youssef Abassi takes over Education, promoted from being Minister of Transport and Communications. He replaces Gerald Henley.

Environment
ECO17 leader Warren Sheraldin has been appointed Environment Minister, replacing Juliana Van Draak at the post.

External Affairs
SD member Jazinta Benaid, former Cultural Affairs Minister was moved to the post of External Affairs, making her the most important female (and overall) minister in government. She replaces former Pieter Van Buskirk (interim) in her second position. Her appointment to External Affairs has been cited in the media the result of her personal success, and many pundits are touting her as a future prime minister ans successor to Ines Michels.

Finance
The SD's Martina Lorens, former Health minister, has been promoted to Finance, replacing Nick Rutten. This is Lorens' second ministerial portfolio.

Health and Welfare
Cristian Belfort (SD) takes over this department from Martina Lorens. This is Belfort's first ministerial position. A former militaryman, Belfort was chosen for his knowledge in military aspects to health.

Industry and Agriculture
Antony Henson (FLP) takes over Industry and Agriculture, replacing Avaline Porter. This is his first ministerial portfolio. Henson's years in municipal government and expertise in business were cited for his appointment.

Internal Affairs and Immigration
Gerald Henley (SD) has been promoted to head the new Department of Internal Affairs and Immigration. Minister Henley, previously heading the Education post under three different governments, was chosen for his "years of expertise in planning and coordination".

Justice
Anne McCann (FLP) takes over the Department of Justice from Warren Sheraldin. McCann was a minister in the Darnley government, and has been one of the most experienced politicians in the past decade.

Transport and Communication
Avaline Porter of Better Mariana is moved to Transport and Communication, replacing Youssef Abassi. This is Porter's second ministerial portfolio.