Dutch coalition splits on Grexit

Yesterday the coalition parties seemed to have a different approach to the Greek issue. The PvdA is was willing to listen to Greece's alternative plans, while the VVD decided to take a harsher stance. According to VVD faction leader Halbe Zijlstra, Greece must adhere to its financial obligations. If they do not "then there will be consequences for them". If that means that Greece has to leave the euro zone, "so be it". Zijlstra said yesterday, BNR reports. PvdA leader Diederik Samsom on the other hand thinks that it is conceivable that the Greeks want to pay back their debts in a different way than was previously agreed. He thinks that threatening language is not wise. Samsom added that he has no reason to think that the Greeks will not meet their obligations. That was yesterday. Today in the parliamentary debate with Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem, VVD Parliamentarian Mark Verheijen said that the VVD hopes that Greece remains in the euro zone and that there is no "Grexit", the Volkskrant reports. "We throw nobody out." Verheijen said. "If they unfortunately exit, then that is their choice. I hope not. I hope they stay in the euro zone. That is my preference." He was immediately attacked by other Parliament Members, who think that Zijlstra adopted a hard stance yesterday, but the VVD is already scrambling back. The finance ministers of the euro countries are meeting today to discuss the Greek issue. Dijsselbloem is pushing for a deal to be made with Greece.