|
|
Post by justjohn on Feb 20, 2010 9:03:21 GMT -7
  
Dutch government falls over Afghan troop missionBy Reed Stevenson and Aaron Gray-Block Reed Stevenson And Aaron Gray- AMSTERDAM (Reuters) – Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende's coalition government collapsed on Saturday when the two largest parties failed to agree on whether to withdraw troops from Afghanistan this year as planned. The fall of the government in the EU member country, just two days short of the coalition's third anniversary, all but guarantees that the 2,000 Dutch troops will be brought home this year and will eventually prompt new parliamentary elections. The collapse, the fourth for a cabinet led by Balkenende in eight years, throws into doubt the scope and timing of planned budget cuts for next year as the Dutch economy struggles to emerge from the global downturn. "I unfortunately note that there is no longer a fruitful path for the Christian Democrats, Labour Party and Christian Union to go forward," Balkenende, who leads the center-right Christian Democrats, told reporters. The collapse came after more than 15 hours of talks that lasted until early on Saturday, following acrimonious exchanges throughout the week. Balkenende wanted to extend the Dutch troop deployment in the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan past an August deadline, but Deputy Prime Minister Wouter Bos's Labour Party opposed any extension. NATO had asked the Netherlands, among the top 10 contributing nations to the mission, to investigate the possibility of a longer stay in Afghanistan as the alliance seeks to contain the Taliban insurgency. NATO spokesman James Appathurai said NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen respected the Dutch discussion and NATO would not interfere. "The Secretary General continues to believe that the best way forward for the mission would be a new smaller Dutch mission to consolidate the progress that the Dutch have made until now, and to help the process of transition to Afghan lead," he said. MID-YEAR ELECTIONS Parliamentary elections could be held mid-year at the earliest, but would probably be followed by months of talks between parties to form a government. A new government may prove difficult to establish, with opinion polls suggesting four or five parties may be needed to secure a majority coalition in the 150-seat parliament. Right-wing legislator Geert Wilders's Freedom Party, which has called for an end to the Afghan mission, could be the big winner at the next election. Opinion polls tip the Freedom Party, campaigning on mistrust of the government and an anti-immigration ticket, to become the largest or second biggest party in parliament. Labour could regain some much-needed electoral support by its stance over Afghanistan but that may not be enough to form a left-leaning coalition. AUSTERITY MEASURES The collapse of Balkenende's coalition effectively nullifies an existing agreement to hold off any economic austerity steps until 2011 and could lead to deeper cuts when next year's budget is unveiled in September. This week, the Dutch government's main think-tank raised its 2010 budget deficit forecast to 6.1 percent of gross domestic product but called for a 2011 deficit of 4.7 percent, implying that steep spending cuts will be needed. That could crimp the Dutch economy, which data last week showed has just entered a fragile recovery after four straight quarters of negative growth. The Dutch mission in Afghanistan, which started in 2006, is scheduled to end in August with the last of the troops leaving in December. Most are deployed in Uruzgan province. "A withdrawal will damage the reputation of the Dutch as a reliable partner that is willing and able to contribute to important military missions," said Edwin Bakker, a senior research fellow at the Clingendael Institute in The Hague. Twenty-one Dutch soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan. (Additional reporting by Bate Felix in Brussels; Editing by Ralph Gowling)
|
|
|
|
Post by pieter on Feb 20, 2010 12:24:23 GMT -7
It's the fourth time that a Balkenende cabinet falls in eight years.
I am not suprised since the cabinet nearly fell over the same
issue nearly a month ago.
The timing is not that smart, since we have an economical crisis,
rising unemployment and a poralised society.
I am curious if Geert Wilders party PVV will be part of a
new rightwing or centre-right coalition government.
Pieter
|
|
|
|
Post by justjohn on Feb 22, 2010 5:40:39 GMT -7
 Dutch gov't falls - Wilders next PM? Sunday, 21 February 2010 17:43 Ordinarily, I would take no great glee in the fall of a supposedly democratic government of a country that has proved itself over the past several decades to be one of the most civilized and enlightened societies in all of human history. But this time around, I have to wonder whether or not karma has caught up with this particular government, after it engaged in the absolutely immoral behavior of prosecuting one of its most courageous and prominent citizens merely for speaking the truth about a dangerous ideology. The Dutch government has apparently fallen apart - ostensibly over Dutch presence in Afghanistan - and not a few people have wondered whether or not the great populist politician Geert Wilders will soon become Prime Minister. This development is stunning, because at the moment that same government is trying Wilders in its kangaroo court for "hate crimes" against Holland's burgeoning Muslim population, whose way of life and special demands are essentially destroying the fabric of Dutch culture. Wilders has been under fire for years now, especially after releasing his well-done expose of Islamic supremacist mentality as found in the Koran and as practiced by thousands of individuals often described as "terrorists." For his courage, Wilders has been under a constant threat of being murdered by this same contingent, entirely proving his point. Hopefully, this Dutch implosion will lead to Wilders grabbing the reigns and leading Holland - and, by inspiration, other parts of Europe - in a direction that will save its ancient culture from certain destruction at the hands of Islamists. Said Wilders at the news of the governmental dissolution, "This is a beautiful day. The worst cabinet in Dutch history no longer exists and people can let their voices be heard by voting in a few months' time." Go, Geert, go! Hmmmmm - - I wonder if this is really so?
|
|
|
|
Post by pieter on Feb 22, 2010 7:18:21 GMT -7
Dutch gov't falls - Wilders next PM? Sunday, 21 February 2010 17:43 Ordinarily, I would take no great glee in the fall of a supposedly democratic government of a country that has proved itself over the past several decades to be one of the most civilized and enlightened societies in all of human history. But this time around, I have to wonder whether or not karma has caught up with this particular government, after it engaged in the absolutely immoral behavior of prosecuting one of its most courageous and prominent citizens merely for speaking the truth about a dangerous ideology. The Dutch government has apparently fallen apart - ostensibly over Dutch presence in Afghanistan - and not a few people have wondered whether or not the great populist politician Geert Wilders will soon become Prime Minister. This development is stunning, because at the moment that same government is trying Wilders in its kangaroo court for "hate crimes" against Holland's burgeoning Muslim population, whose way of life and special demands are essentially destroying the fabric of Dutch culture. Wilders has been under fire for years now, especially after releasing his well-done expose of Islamic supremacist mentality as found in the Koran and as practiced by thousands of individuals often described as "terrorists." For his courage, Wilders has been under a constant threat of being murdered by this same contingent, entirely proving his point. Hopefully, this Dutch implosion will lead to Wilders grabbing the reigns and leading Holland - and, by inspiration, other parts of Europe - in a direction that will save its ancient culture from certain destruction at the hands of Islamists. Said Wilders at the news of the governmental dissolution, "This is a beautiful day. The worst cabinet in Dutch history no longer exists and people can let their voices be heard by voting in a few months' time." Go, Geert, go! Hmmmmm - - I wonder if this is really so? JJ, Ofcourse the truth lies inbetween the first article you posted which was neutral and objective and this last subjective Pro-Wilders one! My standpoint is that Wilders is not only the victim, because he constantly attacks, ridicules, mocks and maybe verbally abuses non-western (non-European) foreign minorities, muslims and people who are leftwing (from the press, the cultural world and left and centre-left policians and parties). The PVV stategy is simple; The press is bad, all other parties are bad, the PVV is good, the Islam is a fascist ideology, and the presence of Muslim minorities is a danger for the Netherlands and Europe. What many Americans forget is that he is a secular, conservative nationalist, who defends Gays and Lesbians, is against the Dutch presence in Afghanistan en Iraq (for isolationalist reasons; his party is mainly directed inwards, towards the Dutch society; the foreign affairs, Europe [EU] and the NATO interests him less. The only foreign thing is that Wilders and his PVV are very Pro-Israel and has American support). Wilders is not the victim he wants us to believe he is! He is threatened yes, and probably the heaviest protected person in the Netherlands, but iin the same time Muslim minorities, some leftwing people and others feel threatened by his ideas and the possibility he comes to power. The idea that he wants to prohibit the Koran, wants to tax the veil of Muslim women and girls, and prohibit new muslims to enter the Nehterlands is pretty extreme! His consequent anti-muslim xenophobia is not very relaxed or comforting for the group of integrated, studying, working, settled Dutch muslims, and the christians, jews, muslims and liberal and progressive people who are against him. His party is very disciplined, closed (no press is allowed at his meetings and he does not attend a lot of debates), and very strict organised! The PVV has 9 seats in the present Dutch parlaiment, and polls suggest that that might become 26 seats. I am not a supporter of Wilders, but I say let him rule, let him form a government and see what he makes of it! Pieter |
|
|
|
Post by karl on Feb 22, 2010 11:18:20 GMT -7
Dutch gov't falls - Wilders next PM? Sunday, 21 February 2010 17:43 Ordinarily, I would take no great glee in the fall of a supposedly democratic government of a country that has proved itself over the past several decades to be one of the most civilized and enlightened societies in all of human history. But this time around, I have to wonder whether or not karma has caught up with this particular government, after it engaged in the absolutely immoral behavior of prosecuting one of its most courageous and prominent citizens merely for speaking the truth about a dangerous ideology. The Dutch government has apparently fallen apart - ostensibly over Dutch presence in Afghanistan - and not a few people have wondered whether or not the great populist politician Geert Wilders will soon become Prime Minister. This development is stunning, because at the moment that same government is trying Wilders in its kangaroo court for "hate crimes" against Holland's burgeoning Muslim population, whose way of life and special demands are essentially destroying the fabric of Dutch culture. Wilders has been under fire for years now, especially after releasing his well-done expose of Islamic supremacist mentality as found in the Koran and as practiced by thousands of individuals often described as "terrorists." For his courage, Wilders has been under a constant threat of being murdered by this same contingent, entirely proving his point. Hopefully, this Dutch implosion will lead to Wilders grabbing the reigns and leading Holland - and, by inspiration, other parts of Europe - in a direction that will save its ancient culture from certain destruction at the hands of Islamists. Said Wilders at the news of the governmental dissolution, "This is a beautiful day. The worst cabinet in Dutch history no longer exists and people can let their voices be heard by voting in a few months' time." Go, Geert, go! Hmmmmm - - I wonder if this is really so? JJ, Ofcourse the truth lies inbetween the first article you posted which was neutral and objective and this last subjective Pro-Wilders one! My standpoint is that Wilders is not only the victim, because he constantly attacks, ridicules, mocks and maybe verbally abuses non-western (non-European) foreign minorities, muslims and people who are leftwing (from the press, the cultural world and left and centre-left policians and parties). The PVV stategy is simple; The press is bad, all other parties are bad, the PVV is good, the Islam is a fascist ideology, and the presence of Muslim minorities is a danger for the Netherlands and Europe. What many Americans forget is that he is a secular, conservative nationalist, who defends Gays and Lesbians, is against the Dutch presence in Afghanistan en Iraq (for isolationalist reasons; his party is mainly directed inwards, towards the Dutch society; the foreign affairs, Europe [EU] and the NATO interests him less. The only foreign thing is that Wilders and his PVV are very Pro-Israel and has American support). Wilders is not the victim he wants us to believe he is! He is threatened yes, and probably the heaviest protected person in the Netherlands, but iin the same time Muslim minorities, some leftwing people and others feel threatened by his ideas and the possibility he comes to power. The idea that he wants to prohibit the Koran, wants to tax the veil of Muslim women and girls, and prohibit new muslims to enter the Nehterlands is pretty extreme! His consequent anti-muslim xenophobia is not very relaxed or comforting for the group of integrated, studying, working, settled Dutch muslims, and the christians, jews, muslims and liberal and progressive people who are against him. His party is very disciplined, closed (no press is allowed at his meetings and he does not attend a lot of debates), and very strict organised! The PVV has 9 seats in the present Dutch parlaiment, and polls suggest that that might become 26 seats. I am not a supporter of Wilders, but I say let him rule, let him form a government and see what he makes of it! Pieter Pieter As with your self, nor I a supporter of Geert Wilders {I am not in position to support any political figure} But, it is my sincere feelings and professional opinion, he should not be ignored. Although as a person, I do not agree with his manner of business conduction, I do agree with the principal of his thinking, for he is not far off the mark, other wise I should say {fairly much on target}. For as such of present in Nederland, as with our former situation with Turkish immigration on such large scale. It was a problem. Now, much of the Ethnic Turkish people, are no different other then dark skin tone to others, for they are national German. But, it was a problem for some years. Mr. {herr} Wilders, is a battle that he performs for not for him self, but for the benefit and requirement of the public of Dutch. And only of my opinion, he is correct with his assessments. For the immigrant of Islamic, are no longer in an Islamic land of their former culture, but now at present, in the Nederland, and they needs be made attention to that fact. And of this, they needs be to integrate with language as national, with customs not as of host country, but as new citizens. It is always good but not acceptable in the political arena, to listen to the message of the far left. For often as nawt, they are speaking what is on the minds of the people that they wills not to place into action, the truth of minds of the people. With our selves, yes, the message in both actions and words of our out casts of skin heads, yes to hear. For they speak of that what is of the people with out the risk of discrimination and repulsive thoughts of their fellow neighbour. For government, it is best to know, then to be surprised at the wrong time and moment. Karl |
|
|
|
Post by justjohn on Mar 4, 2010 6:55:20 GMT -7
This guy is spooky!!! BBC NEWS The opportunity Geert Wilders has waited for By John Tyler Radio Netherlands Worldwide  A party that calls Islam a backward religion, wants a ban on headscarves in public life and has compared the Koran to Hitler's Mein Kampf has made major gains in local elections in the Netherlands. Geert Wilders' Freedom Party (PVV) has become the biggest party in the medium-sized city of Almere, and the second biggest in the political capital of the Netherlands, The Hague. Mr Wilders was visibly buoyed by the results, but was also combative in his reaction, and called the results the first step in the upcoming campaign for parliamentary elections. "The national campaign begins today. Today, in Almere and The Hague, tomorrow in all of the Netherlands… On 9 June, we'll conquer the Netherlands," he said. The question remains whether the party will be able to join local government in those two cities. Dutch politics features a plethora of parties, and compromise is necessary to form coalitions. Geert Wilders has said his party is ready to find the middle ground, but now he will be tested. Other Dutch parties are loath to work together with the PVV because of its outspoken standpoints. Controversy fuels popularity These elections are seen as an important indicator as the country prepares for parliamentary elections in June. The Labour Party's withdrawal from the Dutch cabinet on 20 February, causing the cabinet to fall, is just the opportunity Geert Wilders has been waiting for. Since releasing the anti-Islam film Fitna two years ago, and being refused entry into the UK last year, Mr Wilders has been riding high in the opinion polls. His party has consistently polled as one of the biggest in the country. The fact that he has been charged with fomenting hatred and discrimination has, if anything, only served to increase his popularity, at home and abroad. The trial is currently on hold after two preliminary hearings, but will resume in the summer, and ultimately Wilders could face two years in prison if convicted. But this, too, seems to have worked in the politician's favour, with many seeing him as a champion of the right to free speech. Mr Wilders is also riding a wave of anti-establishment sentiment. Many Dutch voters are tired of politics-as-usual. That is reflected by the relatively poor showing in these municipal elections by the two major parties that formed the recent governing coalition, the Labour Party and the Christian Democrats. Other parties which did well were the centre-right D66 and the left-wing Green Left party - the two parties that have been most vocal against Geert Wilders. The Dutch voters are split, but it is clear the established parties are struggling to stay in touch with them. Story from BBC NEWS: news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/europe/8549155.stmPublished: 2010/03/04 10:25:54 GMT © BBC MMX
|
|
|
|
Post by karl on Mar 4, 2010 8:56:07 GMT -7
This guy is spooky!!! BBC NEWS The opportunity Geert Wilders has waited for By John Tyler Radio Netherlands Worldwide A party that calls Islam a backward religion, wants a ban on headscarves in public life and has compared the Koran to Hitler's Mein Kampf has made major gains in local elections in the Netherlands. Geert Wilders' Freedom Party (PVV) has become the biggest party in the medium-sized city of Almere, and the second biggest in the political capital of the Netherlands, The Hague. Mr Wilders was visibly buoyed by the results, but was also combative in his reaction, and called the results the first step in the upcoming campaign for parliamentary elections. "The national campaign begins today. Today, in Almere and The Hague, tomorrow in all of the Netherlands… On 9 June, we'll conquer the Netherlands," he said. The question remains whether the party will be able to join local government in those two cities. Dutch politics features a plethora of parties, and compromise is necessary to form coalitions. Geert Wilders has said his party is ready to find the middle ground, but now he will be tested. Other Dutch parties are loath to work together with the PVV because of its outspoken standpoints. Controversy fuels popularity These elections are seen as an important indicator as the country prepares for parliamentary elections in June. The Labour Party's withdrawal from the Dutch cabinet on 20 February, causing the cabinet to fall, is just the opportunity Geert Wilders has been waiting for. Since releasing the anti-Islam film Fitna two years ago, and being refused entry into the UK last year, Mr Wilders has been riding high in the opinion polls. His party has consistently polled as one of the biggest in the country. The fact that he has been charged with fomenting hatred and discrimination has, if anything, only served to increase his popularity, at home and abroad. The trial is currently on hold after two preliminary hearings, but will resume in the summer, and ultimately Wilders could face two years in prison if convicted. But this, too, seems to have worked in the politician's favour, with many seeing him as a champion of the right to free speech. Mr Wilders is also riding a wave of anti-establishment sentiment. Many Dutch voters are tired of politics-as-usual. That is reflected by the relatively poor showing in these municipal elections by the two major parties that formed the recent governing coalition, the Labour Party and the Christian Democrats. Other parties which did well were the centre-right D66 and the left-wing Green Left party - the two parties that have been most vocal against Geert Wilders. The Dutch voters are split, but it is clear the established parties are struggling to stay in touch with them. Story from BBC NEWS: news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/europe/8549155.stmPublished: 2010/03/04 10:25:54 GMT © BBC MMX May I offer some personal observations in and of this matter of Geert Wilders. I like most of what he offers. For one, he is representing the Dutch people. He has the sand to speak his truth {In difference with some of our leadership people with weak constitutions}. For the present, he has not the experience or responsibility for and of a nation. And in this, more or less of the present, has the appearance of a loose cannon. It is my personal belief, once under the harness of national responsibility, he will refine his beliefs into workable solutions. Of the present, their is a problem that is not confined to The Netherlands, but cross border into our part of the known world, and that is the question: How do you control and create in the minds of new immigrant citizens, to conform to their new countries form of conformity? I am not sure of Dutch law in language requirements, but it is required by our law to know German. But not so much to extend into conformity of dress. I do not in any manner condone Wilder's assertion of The Koran to be another Mein Kampf. For not only is this inflammatory, but not true. It is the bible of Islam and in that manner, needs be kept as sacred and given respect. In short, my personal thoughts are this: Wilder's is exhibiting a considerable amount of promise, in both leadership, and resolve. He needs be to calm down some what. He needs be given responsibility of the office of leadership to mature some of his radial approaches. In this manner, to better adjust his manner of approach to a common situation of non-conformance of new Islamic citizens. And with this of followthrough, with governmental approach to integrating these new people into society in a most acceptable manner. Karl |
|
|
|
Post by pieter on Aug 5, 2010 2:02:05 GMT -7
In reaction to Karls correct analyse above here I present the current situation in the " difficult" process of government formation in the Netherlands today. After almost two months of information processes the situation is this:  Left and right clash in coalition debate The leaders of the rightwing partiesDutch MPs returned temporarily from their summer recess today for a special debate with chief negotiator Ruud Lubbers about the progress of the coalition talks. The public gallery was jammed solid as the party leaders on the left and the right passed judgment on the proposed coalition of the conservative VVD and the centre-right Christian Democrats which could become the first minority government in the Netherlands since World War II. They plan to rule with parliamentary support from Geert Wilders' anti-Islamic Freedom Party. Ruud Lubbers said he regretted he had not been able to look at other alternatives but said he had been left little choice. It would have been worse, he said, if he had returned empty-handed. Labour Party leader Job Cohen said Geert Wilders was the real winner. He was " the puppet master pulling the strings behind the scenes. With all the advantages and none of the responsibility." Green Left's Femke Halsema called the minority coalition the " worst conceivable alternative" and accused Christian Democrat leader Maxime Verhagen of betraying his principles. She quoted his own words about Geert Wilders about whom he once said " by spreading fear and hatred he is involved only in destruction". Referring to the cutbacks proposed by the right-wing parties she added that Mr Verhagen now " apparently regards cuts in social security as more important than freedom of worship". The Christian Democrat leader did not respond directly but later told reporters: " I still believe what I believe and that is why we're talking about a minority government supported by the Freedom Party rather than a majority coalition." He added that the left-wing parties shouldn't indulge in scaremongering. |
|
|
|
Post by pieter on Aug 5, 2010 2:03:09 GMT -7
Dutch parliament debates state of coalition talksPublished on 4 August 2010 - 11:08am The Dutch parliament is coming back from its summer recess to debate with chief negotiator Ruud Lubbers on Wednesday afternoon about the prospects of a minority cabinet. The debate was requested by Democrat leader Alexander Pechtold with the support of the Labour Party, Green Left and the Socialist Party. Mr Pechtold argues that Mr Lubbers failed to carry out his brief by initiating negotiations about the possibility of a coalition involving the conservative VVD, the centre-right Christian Democrats and the far-right Freedom Party. He was asked by Queen Beatrix to investigate the possibility of forming a majority coalition. Former prime minister Ruud Lubbers, a Christian Democrat, says that after initial talks with the party leaders he was on the point of giving up but Job Cohen and Femke Halsema, leaders of the Labour Party and Green Left, " encouraged" him to investigate the right-wing option. He believes the left-wing leaders thought this was bound to fail and they would have the field to themselves and he warned them " be aware that this could actually succeed". Then, he says, he lost control of the proceedings. The VVD, Christian Democrat and Freedom Party set their own agenda and came up with the concept of a two-party minority coalition with parliamentary support from the Freedom Party. This construction is intended to circumvent the distaste many Christian Democrats and members of the VVD have expressed about a coalition with Geert Wilders' anti-Islamic party. © Radio Netherlands Worldwide
|
|
