Dutch Justice Secretary faces coalition revolt over early prison release plan
State Secretary for Justice and Security Ingrid Coenradie (PVV) faces mounting opposition from her own coalition partners over her proposal to release prisoners two weeks early to address a shortage of prison cells and guards. The plan, approved by the Council of Ministers, is now in jeopardy as the PVV, VVD, and BBB reject it outright, leaving Coenradie politically isolated ahead of a crucial Tweede Kamer debate, as reported by de Volkskrant.
The Tweede Kamer is set to continue the debate on Thursday, where Coenradie must defend her plan under increasing pressure. JA21 lawmaker Joost Eerdmans has announced a motion urging the government to abandon early releases. With PVV, VVD, BBB, and JA21 supporting the motion, it already has 69 votes.
During a parliamentary committee debate last week, PVV lawmaker Emiel van Dijk delivered a rare public rebuke of a fellow party member, declaring, “We will not sign off on the early release of criminals. The state secretary will have to find other majorities.” Party leader Geert Wilders has reportedly suggested extreme measures instead, such as placing up to eight inmates in a single cell, even if that means prisoners must sleep standing up.
The VVD has also firmly opposed Coenradie’s proposal. Lawmaker Ulysse Ellian rejected her claim that she has only two options—either releasing prisoners early or reducing arrests. “That is not your decision to make,” Ellian said, disputing that these are the only available solutions. He called for alternative measures, such as fixing water damage at the Zaanstad prison, reopening the Almere facility faster, and expanding prison wings.
BBB lawmaker Marieke Wijen-Nass also voiced strong objections, arguing that shortening sentences undermines the rule of law. “A judge’s ruling should be carried out in full,” she said.
NSC lawmaker Faith Bruyning struck a more cautious tone. “We believe court rulings should be enforced, but we acknowledge the crisis. We are open to exploring limited early releases, provided strict conditions are attached,” she said. Bruyning also suggested alternatives like expanded use of ankle monitors.
Left-wing parties are skeptical but have not ruled out negotiations. SP lawmaker Michiel van Nispen insists that any measures must not compromise prison staff safety or increase their workload. GroenLinks-PvdA lawmaker Esmah Lahlah dismissed early releases as an unsustainable fix, calling instead for a comprehensive long-term investment plan in the upcoming spring budget negotiations.
Coenradie has already requested “several hundred million euros” from Finance Minister Eelco Heinen (VVD) to address prison overcrowding, but it remains uncertain whether she will secure the funds.
If the Tweede Kamer passes the Eerdmans motion in next week’s vote, Coenradie has signaled she will not implement early releases, following consultation with the Council of Ministers. With no viable alternatives and resistance from her own party, it remains to be seen whether she can survive politically—or if she will face a motion of no confidence.
