CDA leader criticizes cabinet over gaps in Dutch society

The Dutch government promised to build bridges, but over the past four years gaps between groups in society is the only thing that happened, CDA leader Sybrand Buma said in an interview with newspaper AD. According to Buma, there are increasing gaps between young and old, high- and low educated, rich and poor, Dutch and non-Dutch, advantaged and disadvantaged, small businesses and large companies. "That is dangerous. A democracy must have binding factors and these are gone. The government does not even have the start of an answer", he said to the newspaper. A study by Ipsos published on Tuesday revealed that most Dutch are worried about the gaps in society too. Buma also criticized statements Prime Minister Mark Rutte made about Dutch-Turks that harassed a journalist, telling them to leave. "What do you mean 'fuck off'? No one is leaving. He has absolutely no solution. He says that they are idiots, Tokkies, I know that, but let it continue to happen. Freedom of expression has never been unlimited. If giving your opinion turns into insult, it becomes punishable. So not fuck off, but act. Politicians must give confidence in the police; we have to stand next to the officer." the CDA leader said. From 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament, will debate the National Budget for 2017.