Party leaders call for speedy elections
Tuesday 23 February 2010
Political party leaders are calling for new elections to be held as soon as possible following the weekend's government collapse.
As head of state, queen Beatrix is currently consulting party leaders from across the politicial spectrum as well as her own advisors about what should happen now that the Labour party has pulled out of the cabinet.
Most likely is that CDA leader Jan Peter Balkenende stays on as head of a minority cabinet with the orthodox Christians ChristenUnie and Labour's cabinet positions are divided up.
According to the NRC, no one is suggesting that efforts be made to heal the breach between Labour and the other parties to allow the current coalition to continue.
A minority government means a number of controversial issues will be put on ice. These are likely to include the planned increase in the pension age and the kilometer tax on motoring.
Junior defence minister Jack de Vries said on Monday night that a decision on whether to buy the new JSF fighter jets to replace the country's ageing F16s will also be delayed.
Most commentators say the end of May is the most likely date for the general election.
More on this
Cabinet collapse: party leaders meet queen
Cabinet collapse: the recriminations begin
Cabinet collapses as Labour pulls out
Cabinet collapse: what happens next?
Afghanistan stand boosts Labour in polls
© DutchNews.nl
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Monday: Between 2º and 5º with light snow or sleet. Around zero at night. Similar Tuesday
I'm not sure how much clarity or help will come with the Queen's input... the Royals are a bit out of the loop on such things. That said I'm happy to see labour put on the curb for awhile as they are largely an obstructionist party whose goals are limited to self promotion, i.e. this latest stance to bring to an end our NATO commitment in Afghanistan. This is largely a political maneuver to capitalize on a war weary public sentiment and their naivete in order to garner votes in the the forthcoming elections. Labour doesn't particularly care about the plight of the Afghan people, terrorism or the well-being and safety of our troops... all they really care about is getting votes. Look at the position they took with the first vote on the EU Treaty - it was a farce. In the end Labour was silent when the treaty was later past without and significant changes - they just react to peoples fears and limited understanding of the issue and their consequences.
By Buzzer | February 23, 2010 12:10 PM