Friday, June 30, 2006

DUTCH GOVERNMENT RESIGNS EUObserver: "The Dutch government resigned on Thursday over an immigration row, raising the prospect of early elections which could see a battle over a new referendum on EU treaty changes. D66, led in the parliament by former MEP Lousewies van der Laan, had in a marathon nightly debate on Thursday morning demanded the resignation of hardline immigration minister Rita Verdonk over a row involving the Dutch nationality of Somali-born former member of parliament Ayaan Hirsi Ali." The past years the government did no longer have the backing of the people. But the ruling parties rejected all motions of non-confidence in parliament only because they knew new elections would drastically reduce their support. No Harry Potter wizardry could save the prime minister (they say he was a Potter look-alike) this time. The VVD, the neocon party, has become totally incredible after their own minister, Verdonk, repeatedly breached the law with her immigration policies; nevertheless, they continued supporting Ms Verdonk. The construction by which Hirsi Ali was first granted the Dutch nationality, which Verdonk then planned to take away and later bent the rules so that Hirsi could keep her passport, was a farce from beginning to end. At one moment Hirsi said she had lied about having lied earlier. More than 26,000 people are in the same position as Hirsi Ali, nevertheless they don't get a passport. The missions in Afghanistan and Iraq were not supported by the Dutch population, nevertheless the government sent troops. Balkenende's economic policies (privatisation/deregulation) have damaged the country considerably. I am glad the government fell. 11:18:42 AM

© Copyright 2006 Hetty Litjens.