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'Coalition agreement will answer our problems'

Wednesday 29 September 2010

The coalition agreement agreed between the right-wing VVD, Christian Democrats and anti-Islam PVV provides answers to the Netherlands' problems, VVD leader Mark Rutte is quoted as saying in Wednesday's Telegraaf. '

The plans, which still have to be approved by party MPs and a CDA congress, are an 'answer to the financial and economic problems in the Netherlands. In addition, we can count on broad support in society and that will bring cohesion,' Rutte said.

Several weeks ago, Rutte was criticised for saying the agreement would make 'right-wing Netherlands lick its lips'. That statement prompted CDA leader Maxime Verhagen to retort that the coalition would not be right wing because the CDA is not a right-wing party.

Integration

Farid Azarkan, chairman of the Dutch Moroccan alliance told the Telegraaf: 'I think it is dreadful that decent parties like the CDA and VVD have joined up with the PVV.'

The tie-up means that the PVV's standpoints (including a ban on the Koran and tax on Muslim headscarves) will no longer be seen as quite so insane, Azarkan said.

'The divisions between Muslims and non-Muslims will be strengthened,' he warned. 'And that will not help the integration process, which is not really going badly at all.'

Foreign press

Meanwhile, the inclusion of the anti-Islam PVV - which will act as a silent partner in parliament but will not formally be part of the government - is the main angle in coverage of the deal in the foreign press.

'Dutch far-right party set to be part of a minority government,' writes German world service Deutsche Welle.

'Dutch to Complete Talks on Cabinet Backed by Anti-Islamist Freedom Party,'is the headline on the report by news agency Bloomberg while Reuters states 'Dutch agree coalition with anti-Islam party support'.

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Readers' comments

As I continually read the words "anti-Islam" party (which only reinforces the idea), it makes me wonder what would happen if there was an "anti-Jewish" party or "anti-Christian" party. I cannot help but think that it just wouldn't be allowed in this "tolerant" society.

By ruthams | September 29, 2010 9:04 AM

'answer to the financial and economic problems in the Netherlands. In addition, we can count on broad support in society and that will bring cohesion,' Rutte said.
Meanwhile reality shows that we have no any major economic problem (we are the second country into EU in terms of growth, with the second lower deficit), and there is a broad hate in society (except 14 %) on Nazis practices (ethnic registration; religious liberty closing; educational liberty closing) brought by his employer, Wilders.
Exactly opposite than Rutte says. Coalition agreement will bring us new and severe problems.

By zenplus | September 29, 2010 12:43 PM

Speaking as a Jewish person, there is something disturbing in there being a party which is officially referred to as "anti-Islam PVV"

By Quince | September 29, 2010 4:37 PM

How about a 'anti homosexual' party? I'm sure they'd be cut off before the first brochure's been printed.
General accusation on Islam is just plain stupid and shortsighted.

By yep | September 29, 2010 4:43 PM

@yep - there is an anti-homosexual party, they are called de ChristenUnie.

By Marc | September 29, 2010 9:30 PM

I am totally not worry about financial & economic problems in the Nederland but i am really worry about rise of Hatred in the Nederland society against its own citizens which will ultimately damage the society.

By Mehmood | September 30, 2010 3:15 PM

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