Later on Friday, the coalition parties VVD, D66, CDA and ChristenUnie will discuss the approach to migration. The reduction in the number of asylum seekers in the Netherlands, in particular, has led to high tensions between the four coalition parties. “It’s becoming a very bad marriage,” says Frank van Dalen of the Political Academy Foundation.
On Thursday evening, Rutte did not want to delve into the cabinet meeting or discuss possible steps that have been taken. He said: “We are trying to reach an agreement and this is by definition a step”.
Van Dalen thinks the discussion has become a huge ideological story, for which they are now trying to find a practical solution. “But ideology and practice usually go very badly together.”
Furious Christian Union
According to Van Dalen, Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s statement that he will stop if there is no decision went very wrong with ChristenUnie. “They were really furious about it. This of course greatly tarnishes personal relationships. Clearly, those relationships are under a lot of strain. And if they don’t come out today, he won’t just go away.’
“This obviously clouds personal relationships enormously”
Van Dalen expects coalition parties to reach an agreement today. “Maybe eventually they’ll come up with some sort of formula, probably full of vagueness.” And then the question is: Do VVD supporters still accept it? “It will be a very difficult story,” thinks Van Dalen. “We have seen Rutte struggle his way out of impossible situations more often, but VVD supporters think he had to swallow a lot. At some point the bucket is full.’
Source: BNR
Fernando Dowling is an author and political journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of the political landscape and a passion for analyzing the latest political trends and news.
