Title: Prime Minister Schoof Adapts to the Intensity of Dutch Politics
In a candid admission, Prime Minister Dick Schoof acknowledged the fierce nature of politics in The Hague, stating that it takes some getting used to after two intense debates in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament. Speaking at his weekly press conference, Schoof emphasized that personal relationships are secondary to political relations in the political arena.
The opposition parties fiercely opposed the Cabinet’s budget proposal, and contradictions within the governing coalition became apparent. Schoof faced harsh criticism from the opposition, with D66 leader Rob Jetten questioning his performance as prime minister. In response, Schoof defended his position, stating that politics requires a clear distinction between personal and formal meetings, where political battles take place using all permissible means.
Schoof was surprised by the interim leader of coalition party NSC, Nicolien van Vroonhoven, who joined the opposition in demanding documents related to the advice on the emergency asylum law. Van Vroonhoven cited article 68 of the Constitution, allowing any member of the Tweede Kamer to request documents from the Cabinet. The opposition saw this as a victory, as the documents revealed that civil servants found no arguments or justification for the emergency law.
Ministers were initially surprised and annoyed by Schoof’s decision to send the unredacted documents to the Tweede Kamer, as they had initially sent heavily redacted versions. The documents contained sensitive information unrelated to the emergency law, including the fact that Schoof himself insisted on including the route of the emergency law in the government program. Civil servants also raised legal concerns about the Cabinet’s asylum measures.
During the press conference, Schoof recognized that sending documents regarding a decision that has not been made yet is unusual, calling it a unique situation. However, he did not rule out the possibility of it happening again, saying, Never say never.
Schoof was not questioned about Van Vroonhoven’s actions but was asked about Geert Wilders’ stance. The PVV leader made it clear that he wants to stick to the emergency law as a means to relax asylum rules. This further highlights the political divisions and intensity within the Dutch political landscape, as Prime Minister Schoof continues to adapt to the fierceness of politics in The Hague.
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