The Dutch parliament is within its rights to ratify the setting up of a permanent European rescue fund, despite the caretaker status of the government, a court in The Hague said on Friday.

The case was brought by MP Geert Wilders, who argued the decision should not be taken until after the September 12 general election. Traditionally, parliament does not take controversial decisions after a government has fallen.
Parliament voted last week by 100 votes to 47 to ratify the measure.
The Netherlands is to contribute €4.5bn to the fund and a further €30bn in guarantees.
Wilders has vowed to make the general election a referendum on Europe.

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