"The sun will shine again in the Netherlands," Wilders says about coalition's plans
“The sun will shine again in the Netherlands” and a lot will change, PVV leader Geert Wilders said at a press conference about the newly presented “main lines agreement” between the PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB. History is being made now that his PVV is in the center of power, Wilders said, NOS reports.
The PVV leader stressed that the new government will implement the strictest asylum policy ever, including an Asylum Crisis Law and severe limits to family reunification. He believes that will demotivate many of the people seeking safety in the Netherlands. “I really applaud that,” he said.
Wilders also pointed out that the healthcare deductible is decreasing and heat pumps are no longer mandatory. There will be some “painful cuts,” but the parties also “invest in each other.”
“A new wind is blowing through the country. The motto is hope, courage, and pride. We can be proud of this country again. I would also like to thank the Netherlands,” he said. “We will do everything we can to earn your trust. We love this country. We will work hard for the Netherlands and I promise: the Netherlands will be ours again.”
VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz stressed that the voters wanted a center-right course and the VVD is taking responsibility for a “stable and safe Netherlands.” She admitted that the four parties often thought they wouldn’t be able to reach an agreement, but those many differences have been bridged.
According to Yeşilgöz, safety in the Netherlands and the world is a top priority. The new government wants to continue supporting Ukraine, she said. “Sensible climate measures” will also be continued.
NSC leader Pieter Omtzigt celebrated the fact that they were able to “form an extra-parliamentary Cabinet with four quite different parties.” He said that the voter has given a clear signal for which issues need to be resolved. The new government will improve social security, he said. “That is not only your income, but that also means that there are enough homes.”
Omtzigt added that the agreement still has to be worked out by the new Ministers and that there will be “a slightly greater diversity between the parties than you would normally be used to in a coalition.”
BBB leader Caroline van der Plas said she was “very happy that the four parties made it.” She spoke of fantastic new allies who “found each other” despite their significant differences. The parties have been through a lot together and their foundation is strong, she said.
Van der Plas stressed that more money will go to elderly care and that the excise duty on fuel will not increase next year. She also pointed out that the new government won’t force a reduction of the livestock herd and there will be no forced buyouts of farmers.
Opposition parties were less than thrilled by the agreement. GroenLinks-PvdA leader Frans Timmermans called it “disastrous.” Rob Jetten of the D66 said he was “not at all impressed” and the agreement was made out of fantasies.
