Asylum Minister made the decision to delay repeal of asylum distribution law: PM

Asylum minister Marjolein Faber made the decision not to immediately submit a bill to the Cabinet to repeal the Distribution Act by first making an "outline document”. Prime Minister Dick Schoof said this on Friday in his weekly press conference. During that press conference, PVV leader Geert Wilders wrote to the prime minister on X: "What nonsense that an outline document had to come first."

Schoof refused to respond to Wilders’ message. "I'm just taking note of this."

The Distribution Act is used to control the distribution of asylum seekers across several municipalities. The Cabinet wants to repeal this law, but Schoof has said that this is not possible until the summer.

Schoof also refused to comment on Faber’s decision to not answer any questions about the asylum budget or repealing of the Distribution Act. The PVV minister left many surprised by her decision to avoid the press before and after the weekly Council of Ministers meeting.

It was reported earlier on Friday that Faber needs another 3.5 billion euros to realize her plans for the reception and decoration of asylum seekers. The minister thought she would be able to reduce the costs by 80 percent by 2027, but she is now backing down from that claim.

"Every minister makes his or her own choice in this. It is a decision she has made herself. That is allowed. I cannot get into her head." Schoof said when asked about the behavior.

When asked why Faber would not answer any questions about the discussions that the ministers held about potentially repealing the Distribution Act, something that Faber has been pushing for since she was sworn in as minister, a spokesperson for Faber responded: “That’s why.”

Geert Wilders was angered by Schoof's comments that an outline document had to come before the Distribution Act could be repealed. “What nonsense that there had to be an outline note first. Withdraw that law quickly, the Netherlands is full of fortune seekers and can't wait! And stop family reunification immediately, just like Austria is going to do!.”