VVD and BBB are not worried about concerns raised over a lack of press freedom

The VVD and BBB are not worried about curtailing press freedom, not even if PVV enters the new Cabinet. "We have enough confidence in the democracy and the rule of law that it doesn't get that far," said BBB MP Henk Vermeer. The VVD noted that it has always been committed to the freedom and safety of the press. "And we will continue to do so, in whichever political constellation we end up in," said VVD MP Claire Martens.

NSC MP Nicolien van Vroonhoven also said that the NSC will always fight for trustworthy information provision and independent journalism in its political work. Reliable information provision is of "great importance" in a constitutional state, and independent journalism is "an important pillar in our democracy."

The VVD and BBB are currently negotiating with PVV and NSC about a new Cabinet. PVV leader Geert Wilders has repeatedly said that he wants to abolish public broadcasters and has criticized the media.

The journalist organization Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF) and the Dutch Association of Journalists (NVJ) are concerned about this.

Vermeer said the BBB's election program states that the NPO has to work with less money. He emphasized that BBB "stands for freedom of the press and the freedom of expression." The party claims to be in contact "with all kinds of press" no matter what the media reports on BBB.

Vermeer pointed out that the four parties made agreements earlier in the formation talks about protecting the democratic constitutional state. "We stick to these joint agreements."

Those agreements state, among other things, that independent institutions, such as science and media, are of great importance for properly functioning the democratic constitutional state. "The parties will protect these and strengthen them." These agreements are in the final report of ex-informant Ronald Plasterk, dated February 12.

NSC is "in support of our Dutch Public Broadcaster. "That has a central and connecting role in independent information provision," said Van Vroonhoven. The party thinks a "pluriform Dutch media offering is essential. The (online) supply of news must not become even more impoverished and/or fall into foreign hands."

"Press freedom is a greater good and is essential for the functionality of our democracy," said VVD politician Martens. "It is good news that we rose two places on the press freedom index."

RSF emphasized that the Netherlands' new position does not reflect a real improvement in press freedom. The NVJ agrees with this opinion.

PVV has not replied to the questions yet.