The leaders of VVD, NSC, and BBB do not yet seem impressed by the asylum plans presented by PVV leader Geert Wilders on Monday. They are willing to talk, but also refer to PVV Minister of Asylum Marjolein Faber.
Wilders wants to break open the coalition agreement to take new asylum measures. The PVV leader did not share his plans on X as usual this time, but called the entire parliamentary press for a rare press conference.
Coalition partners Dilan Yesilgöz (VVD), Nicolien van Vroonhoven (NSC), and Caroline van der Plas (BBB) normally pay little attention to Wilders’ statements on social media, but could not avoid giving a reaction on Tuesday.
The three are willing to talk to Wilders about his plans, but did not want to speak of “negotiations” or “breaking open the coalition agreement” yet. They also do not seem so worried about the possible consequences for the coalition and the cabinet.
Wilders remained vague on Monday about the consequences if the rest of the coalition would not heed his plans. On the one hand, he threatened a cabinet fall, on the other hand, he himself did not want to speak of demands. You can read more about this in this article.
Wilders after criticism VVD and NSC: ‘They are playing with fire’
VVD and NSC think Faber should get to work
Yesilgöz and Van Vroonhoven also referred to Wilders’ own Asylum Minister Faber on Tuesday. She must ensure a stricter asylum policy, but has so far achieved little result.
“He (Wilders, ed.) can simply submit his points to the cabinet. Then his own minister can put it on the agenda for the Council of Ministers,” said Yesilgöz. “I am happy to have a cup of coffee, but it can be more efficient.”
Van Vroonhoven does not feel like even more plans to limit the asylum flow. She believes that Faber should first finish the work she has started. The minister must get her two major asylum laws through parliament in the coming months.
According to the NSC leader, Wilders is also taking a risk. “By removing one block from the main outline agreement, you risk the entire structure collapsing.”
PVV and NSC possibly on a collision course again
Van Vroonhoven also noted that Wilders’ proposals have all been discussed in previous negotiations. They then encountered objections from NSC.
PVV and NSC were already on a collision course at the end of last year. Wilders stubbornly insisted on the introduction of an emergency law to be able to take asylum measures quickly. Van Vroonhoven drew a line and demanded a thorough legal justification. Eventually, the PVV leader relented.
Now, too, things mainly threaten to go wrong between these two parties. According to Wilders, Van Vroonhoven is “playing with fire” by saying that she does not want to negotiate again.
Wilders said earlier that “the time for bowing to the NSC faction is over”.