The Dutch language has a good description for politicians like Wilders: an eel in a bucket of snot. Wilders pulled the plug on the formation talks sighing “I will just have to continue as leader of the opposition..’ What a cruel fate, Geert. No government responsibility, how its absence must weigh on you. Instead, you have another four years of taunts and hate mongering ahead of you, possibly ending up in an even bigger electoral victory, all from the safe distance of the opposition benches. Are you really sorry Geert? Or is this what you were after all along? There really is no way you are going to tell us, is there? Meanwhile we are presented with a rare spectacle in Holland’s political zoo: an eel shedding crocodile tears.

By Zoo Keeper | September 4, 2010 10:22 AM

I'm glad to hear Geert provide his own best prescription to this awful condition.
Well, a few more years in opposition may be best.

By Gerard | September 4, 2010 2:45 PM

With due respect (to the Dutch constitution, Royal family, elected and non-elected government officials), the Dutch community are known for their business orientated political diplomacy and working practices as well as permissive national cultural values, however this man in question is an unexpected exception to this well established rule. Thinking and acting local but speaking global about personal opinions and marketing and promoting controversial issues (with limited background knowledge or real world experience in the subject matters), will attract international public scrutiny and attention, but for less than professional reasons and at an expense to the reputation of the country known as the Netherlands (and not Neitherlands). Government officials (with all salaries and expenses paid by public taxes), are elected into public office by national constitution and fair democratic elections to represent the interests of the public majority during governance, however what is obviously apparent with hindsight is that the questionable elected minister is taking the public for an easy fast tract ride at public tax payer’s expense. The signs of progress are all visible, increase in body weight, two personal houses, 24 hours security and personal diplomatic staff, wining and dining in some of the best restaurants, national international travel and all living expenses are compensated by the public citizens who donate part of their salaries every year in the hopes and wishes of improving the public standards and conditions of living for the whole country. What public service does this questionable minister perform which is in the public interest for the common good of the whole society rather than create tribal divisions in international community in the Netherlands and exploit real life consequences of global market forces to delegate generalized, wholesale and wan ton blame on a minority section of the public citizens (i.e. cheap escape goats). The cardinal rule of business political diplomacy is to keep religion out of politics, during the administration of public taxes and country’s wealth for the national development of the whole country and improvement of the lives of its public citizens, because that was the main reason why public officials are elected into government.

By Small Brother | September 5, 2010 8:47 AM

This is just what The Groenlinks wants to happen...confusion.

By howard de barfield | September 5, 2010 4:26 PM

We'll have Wilders in opposition then. Good luck to the politicians trying to claim private jet costs, expensive sunglasses, prime-apartment rent and other stuff on the taxpayers. Geert will fry their buns. And when the next governement falls, which will be pretty soon as they nebver can agree who gets to grab the most cookies, Geert will be there. Again.

By Mario the Pizzaman | September 5, 2010 7:51 PM

Mario the Pizzaman, I agree with you, I hope that we have relection now.

By SandraV | September 6, 2010 6:24 PM