It looks like Geert Wilders (PVV), Mark Rutte (VVD), and Maxime Verhagen of the CDA will soon be forming a new Dutch right-wing cabinet If it really happens, and no-one seems totally sure, it will be a first in Dutch political history where the controlling political faction ( PVV of Wilders) in this extraordinary coalition will be operating as an "outside supporter" of the government, but wielding most of the power
If this Wilders Cabinet comes about it can only count on a majority of one, with the "de facto PM" Wilders still as free as a bird to spout all his one-liner derogatory comments around, but this time with the blessing of VVD's Mark Rutte and CDA's Maxime Verhagen. One Dutch politician called this possible new coalition Government a "Ménage à trois turning into a one man show". ( Mark Rutte)
(Maxime Verhagen) In a taste of what is to come Geert Wilders said he felt his party came under attack by the Dutch Queen when in a speech on the occasion of an annual Dutch ceremony celebrating the opening of the new parliamentary year, she referred to the need for a 'stable government' , interpreted by many as pointing the finger at Wilders. In the speech, the queen also got into "hot water" again when she said: 'That requires give and take, tolerance and also adaptation. This is the responsibility of us all.' Following the Queens remarks Wilders told the press: 'We have to get rid of this sort of political correctness.
' The queen's speech to Parliament, written by the outgoing PM Balkenende, also contained details of proposed budget cuts for the upcoming parliamentary year. Among the numerous budget cuts announced it was also revealed that Dutch royalty is included in the "bite" of these budget cuts. Members of the royal family, other than the Queen and her direct heir, will now have have to pay inheritance and gift taxes, and pay all expenses for personal travel.
EU-Digest
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