2 weeks Ago
Parliament Calls for Haste, But Elections Take Time
The Electoral Council emphasized that the proposed date also takes into account the time that municipalities need to arrange the vote, the preparations of the parties and avoids holidays. The six-week school break in the Netherlands is from July 5 to September 1 and varies between regions. Some earlier dates in October — including the 8th, 15th and 22nd had been determined as less convenient by overlapping school holidays and the end of the summer recess.
However, under pressure from MPs - from a motion unanimously passed in parliament by GroenLinks-PvdA leader Frans Timmermans to bring the elections forward - caretaker Prime Minister Schoof cautioned. He cited the party registration and municipal logistics that would be required, and explained, "A careful preparation of elections is necessary in our parliamentary democracy." But he did not object to the motion.
Fallout From Coalition Breakdown Leads To Feuds And Political Feuding
The government's collapse came after support was withdrawn by PVV leader Geert Wilders, after demanding ten tough new immigration and asylum policies (in breach of previous agreements). Already the PVY had been responsible for the asylum policy of the VVD, NSC, and BBB coalition.
In the latest polls, as a new election looms, GroenLinks-PvdA, VVD and PVV are all around 30 seats. But building a future coalition looks messy. Timmermans of GroenLinks-PvdA may need support from VVD, but he got into a heated exchange with VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius in Parliament. Timmermans lashed out at her for presiding over the "worst Cabinet the Netherlands has ever had," and Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, fired back that he was arrogant and out of touch.
The motion passed by Parliament demands that the Tweede Kamer be dissolved without delay, and for elections to be held "as soon as the Electoral Act makes this possible." The Netherlands will retain the forousnter date for the next election so far.
