GroenLinks-PvdA changes course on migration ahead of demographics debate
GroenLinks-PvdA leader Frans Timmermans has announced a change of course when it comes to migration ahead of a parliamentary debate on the future number of residents in the Netherlands. While the left-wing combination has never favored any type of “brake” on immigration, GroenLinks-PvdA will now support the “moderate growth” objective advised by the State Commission on Demographic Developments 2050.
The State Commission urged politicians to strive for a “moderate growth” of the population so that the Netherlands won’t have more than 19 to 20 million inhabitants in 2050. According to the State Commission, that is the maximum the country can handle in terms of housing, space, and facilities. The Dutch population currently consists of 18 million people. Moderate growth would amount to around 68,000 labor migrants, international students, and asylum seekers per year.
Timmermans acknowledged to NOS that his party has never favored curbing migration, but is now making a small change of course. “Thanks to this report, we have had an extensive discussion in our party and we have all come to the conclusion that government steering on how the composition of the population develops is very important.”
GroenLinks-PvdA is mainly concerned with maintaining a high level of healthcare and education. But the party also wants labor migration to be more targeted. “So we want to put our money where our mouth is and for the government to take action to ensure that rogue employment agencies are tackled, that there is no more agency work in certain sectors, and that we make choices in the economy. We do not need so many slaughterhouses in the Netherlands. So dare to phase out those sectors.”
Timmermans also said that tackling asylum migration is necessary, but wants to do this through European agreements.
Speaking to the Telegraaf, Timmermans added the is trying to be “as practical and pragmatic as possible” on this topic “so that we can really start working” on it. The fact that he himself will conduct the debate is also a signal, he said. “I want to lay the foundation myself now because I strongly believe in this.”
Several other parties also have their leaders conducting the debate, including Pieter Omtzigt (NSC), Caroline van der Plas (BBB), Jimmy Dijk (SP), Henri Bontenbal (CDA), and Mirjam Bikker (ChristenUnie). Surprisingly, PVV leader Geert Wilders, always a very vocal proponent of limiting immigration and asylum seekers in particular, has chosen to let parliamentarian Maikel Boon speak. VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz will also not attend the debate, letting MP Bente Becker speak on behalf of the party.
The debate was scheduled to start at 10:15 a.m. and was expected to take much of the day.
