Eurlings lined up to replace Balkenende

Thursday 11 March 2010

Caretaker transport minister Camiel Eurlings is being lined up to replace CDA leader Jan Peter Balkenende if the June general election turns out to be a fiasco for the party, the Telegraaf reports on Thursday.

Sources have told the paper Eurlings is to be given the number two slot on the party's electoral list, meaning he can step smoothly into the leadership if Balkenende resigns.

'The number two position has been reserved for him,' one senior party source said.

Support

On Monday, the CDA's management board reaffirmed its support for Balkenende, who has come under fire for the party's poor showing in the local election.

The CDA is traditionally the biggest party in the Netherlands, but its support has been shrinking and it is now in joint second place according to some polls.

After Monday's meeting, Balkenende said he is 'going for gold' which implies he will step down if the CDA comes in second or third, the paper said.

© DutchNews.nl

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