No holds barred in last campaigning ahead of provincial vote

With one day to go before the crucial provincial elections, political parties are making last-ditch efforts to attack their opponents, particularly the PVV, in order to win vital votes.


The anti-Islam party is making its debut in the elections and is expected to emerge as the second biggest party in a number of provinces, including Noord-Holland and Limburg.
Alexander Pechtold, leader of the liberal democrats, used a televised debate on Monday night to accuse the PVV of whipping up mass hysteria about immigration.
‘There has been no mass immigration for years. This is mass hysteria from the PVV,’ Pechtold said.

Cuts

Labour leader Job Cohen said the ruling alliance’s policies are ‘unjust, unfair and largely anti-social’. He said the PVV favours cuts in welfare benefits and special education and that the pledge to get 3,000 more police officers on the beat has failed.
The results of the provincial vote will determine the make-up of the senate, or upper house of parliament, and the ruling alliance is hoping to win a slim majority. Opinion polls indicate this is unlikely, but the results are too close to call
The leaders of the senate campaigns for the two ruling parties, the conservative VVD liberals and Christian Democrats, both argued that cuts are needed now to stop problems in the future.
‘This government deserves a fair chance. We are not going back to the Middle Ages with these cuts,’ said CDA leader Elco Brinkman.
The Christian Democrats are expected to be hammered, particularly in their traditional rural strongholds.
Problems
According to an analysis by the Volkskrant, failing to achieve a majority in the 75 seat senate will stop the government getting controversial legislation on the statute books, particularly its plans to curb immigration and cut spending on education.
A final televised debate takes place on the Nos on Tuesday night at 20.30 hours.

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