Skip to main content
Home

Main navigation

  • Top stories
  • Health
  • Crime
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Tech
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Weird
  • 1-1-2
Image
rutte and wilders
Mark Rutte and Geert Wilders (Picture: Wikimedia Commons/Russavia) - Credit: Mark Rutte and Geert Wilders (Picture: Wikimedia Commons/Russavia)
Politics
election debate
PVV
VVD
parliamentary elections
Wednesday, 1 February 2017 - 13:30
Share this:
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
  • reddit

Two largest parties threaten to boycott televised election debate

The VVD and PVV, the two leading parties in all the polls, are threatening to boycott the 'premier debate' on RTL late this month. If the broadcaster invites more than four parties to the debate, the VVD and PVV will not participate, spokespersons from both parties said to AD.

According to the VVD, the agreements for the debate was already made with RTL six months ago. "Five or six parties is not in accordance with the agreements", the spokesperson said to the newspaper. Should more than the four parties leading in the polls participate, the VVD will not show up. The spokesperson also points out that a week after the 'premier debate', scheduled for February 26th, there will be a debate between eight party leaders. "We don't want the same debate twice."

A spokesperson for the PVV told the newspaper that they share the VVD's view. "Four or nothing. A debate with more we already have the next week."

RTL would prefer to debate with four participants as agreed. But last week the broadcaster announced that more would be invited if necessary - if the polls are too close. "The debate should reflect the democratic principles", deputy editor Peter Klein of RTL Nieuws said "We made a very reasonable proposal. We are still in discussion with the parties." The debate participants will be announced on February 13th.

Follow us:

Latest stories

  • Drought uncovering 10,000-year-old tree stumps in Friesland lake
  • Video: American truck dealership torched in Brabant; Extinction Rebellion denounces act
  • Three Dutch universities in top 100 world ranking; Leiden drops to top 150
  • MH17 court ruling set for 17 Nov. as Russia reportedly detains MH17 defendant
  • Another passenger arrested for sharing pic of crashed plane, this time at Schiphol
  • Orientation periods start at many Dutch universities

Top stories

  • Young homeless people often can't find room in shelters
  • Netherlands lagging behind in purchase of coronavirus pill
  • Asylum seekers clash in Ter Apel; "A nasty situation," State Secretary says
  • Officially warmest August 14 since measurements began
  • NS on track for record year of delays, malfunctions; Plans underway for faster Airport Sprinter
  • Dutch publisher to reprint Rushdie's 'Satanic Verses'

© 2012-2022, NL Times, All rights reserved.

Footer menu

  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Partner content