The House of Representatives will debate the fall of the Schoof cabinet on Wednesday morning. The opposition parties will primarily focus on the leaders of the former coalition. And those four no longer need to spare each other.
At the beginning of the debate, which starts at 10:15 AM, the now caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof will first give a short statement. He will likely appeal to the House to prevent stagnation of important dossiers such as defense and nitrogen.
After that, the floor is given to the House. The opposition parties will call Schoof to account, but will mainly direct their arrows at Geert Wilders (PVV), Dilan Yesilgöz (VVD), Nicolien van Vroonhoven (NSC), and Caroline van der Plas (BBB). The former coalition leaders will have to give an explanation about the cabinet’s fall, which many involved called “irresponsible.”
In ‘ordinary’ political times, it is customary for coalition partners to defend each other in a debate, but now that there is no coalition, that is no longer necessary. Therefore, eyes will also be on the relationship between the four party leaders. They still have a bone to pick with Wilders and – like the opposition parties – are already in full campaign mode.
In addition to the expected political jabs back and forth, the House will also discuss how and when elections can be organized.
Wilders pulled the plug on the coalition on Tuesday because his coalition partners refused to sign his extra asylum plans. It led to anger among his coalition partners, who spoke of a reckless and irresponsible decision.
Similar words were later also used by Schoof, who indicated that the cabinet cannot continue together “if one party lacks the will.”