There is growing criticism of prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende within the ruling coalition, in particular over his role in the crisis over redundancy reforms, the Telegraaf reports on Friday.

‘He is not leading the cabinet. He is a hopeless prime minister,’ one Labour MP told the paper.
The row over plans by Christian Democrat minister Piet Hein Donner to reform the redundancy law threatens to split the three-party coalition. Labour and the ChristenUnie party are totally opposed to the plans.
MPs told the Telegraaf that Balkenende has not done enough to bring the coalition partners and Donner closer together.