Follow all about the VVD congress in our live blog
“I was definitely tense,” Van der Burg tells political journalist Leendert Beekman. “I am also happy that the party supports me on this point.” He therefore draws strength from the fact that a large part of the party supports his policy, he clarifies. “Of course it helps a lot. And what you’re also seeing is the party saying that everyone wants to work to limit hiring. For now, I’m just happy to get the support of my own party with the distribution law.”
‘We can go on’
According to Van der Burg, one of the two big problems related to the asylum problem in the Netherlands will be solved. ‘Now we can continue with the welcome, which is very nice’, she underlines, affirming that she understands the assignment. “And now we need to focus on measures that limit the influx.”
But what tools are available for this? Van der Burg acknowledges that there are only “a limited number of buttons to turn”. “But it can be done, and I’ll work on it,” he says. “For that I have to go to the lavatory first.”
Stop in kindergarten
Some motions on those figurative buttons will also be voted on at the party congress. For example, there would also be talk of a total freeze on asylum, although this is legally impossible. Van der Burg: ‘There will be several motions that will send a signal to the faction and what is expected of them. I will now work as a cabinet member and will make proposals to the cabinet and through the cabinet to the House.’
He is also well aware of the challenge. “It’s certainly a difficult puzzle, looking at what’s possible and at political relationships,” she concludes. “But you shouldn’t shy away from the hard stuff.”