Negotiators Agree On Dutch Cabinet Led By Anti-Islam Party; ‘Ronald Plasterk Premier’
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS (Worthy News) – After six months of often tense negotiations, the leaders of four parties agreed Wednesday on a cabinet in the Netherlands led by the anti-Islam Party for Freedom (PVV).
However, PVV leader Geert Wilders won’t be the prime minister: Instead, prominent professor, columnist, and businessman Ronald Plasterk, long a member of the leftist Labour Party, or PvdA, was expected to be prime minister.
According to the agreement, the leaders of the other parties joining the cabinet will not receive minister posts either.
Besides PVV, the liberal People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), the centrist National Social Contract (NSC), and the agrarian populist Farmer–Citizen Movement (BBB) will join the right-wing government.
The cabinet is expected to limit migration amid mounting concerns about the massive influx of migrants fleeing wars, persecution, and poverty.
Wilders has long warned of growing tensions in the liberal Dutch society, which has Judeo-Christian roots, as many newcomers are from Islamic nations.
VIOLENT PROTESTS
Recent attacks against Jewish people and violent anti-Israel protests at universities as well as at other locations added to these worries.
The cabinet was also expected to introduce healthcare reforms, and on highways, car drivers will soon be able to drive 130 kilometers (80 miles) per hour throughout the day.
The was sharply reduced to 100 kilometers per hour on many highways by the left-leaning current government, which cited concerns about the environment and climate change. Wilders has been critical about what he views as climate fear-mongering, with billions spent on ugly wind turbines and solar panels.
Last year, the cabinet allocated some 28 billion euros to counter “global warming” despite Climate and Energy Minister Rob Jetten admitting that this will contribute to “0,000036 Celsius” (Fahrenheit) less warming.
“We have a negotiated agreement,” said Wilders on Wednesday. “We also talked about the prime minister; we will resume that conversation later. I can’t say more now.”
The parties were reviewing the deal, which will be followed by a parliamentary debate. However, BBB leader Caroline van der Plas is thrilled. “I congratulate the Netherlands.”
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