.
Dutch government on brink of collapse
(RNW) – Geert Wilders has withdrawn his party’s support for the Dutch coalition government and has called for new elections. Prime Minister Mark Rutte says new elections are now very likely.
The break occurred suddenly on Saturday afternoon when Mr Wilders left the negotiations at the prime minister’s official residence, the Catshuis. The three parties involved in this coalition have been negotiating drastic new austerity measures since 5 March.
Mr Rutte and Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Verhagen reacted bitterly to Mr Wilders’ move. The prime minister says the parties had agreed to a package of new austerity measures on Friday evening. Today’s negotiating session should have been a formality.
Austerity measures to meet EU deficit limit
The latest crisis began in February when new figures showed the Dutch economy would continue to perform poorly in 2013 and 2014, and the Netherlands’ annual budget would therefore exceed the European deficit limit of 3% of GDP. Unless cuts were made, the deficit for 2013 would be around 4.5 percent.The coalition parties felt obliged to come up with around 14 billion euros of new spending cuts, in order to bring the balance in order. This followed an earlier round of cuts totalling 18 billion euros.
Brussels deadline looming
An April 30th deadline from Brussels, when the Netherlands has to submit its austerity plan, is coming up fast. Mr Rutte’s government has been an outspoken proponent of drastic cuts by countries in the south of Europe and is now facing a credibility crisis as it struggles to practice what it preaches. The Hague will not find much sympathy in the rest of Europe for its current position.Geert Wilders has New York deadline
A new book by Geert Wilders aimed at the American market is not due to be officially launched until May 1, but details gleaned from advance and review copies are already doing the rounds.The book is entitled Marked for Death, Islam’s war against the West and me and according to Wilders’ own website ‘tells the story of Geert Wilders’ fight for the right to speak what he believes: namely that Islam is not just a religion but primarily a dangerous ideology which is a threat to Western freedoms.’
The book will be officially presented at an as-yet secret location in the US, and is regarded by some as Wilders’ calling card to America. The Dutch MP has made no secret of his international ambitions and is keen to launch and International Freedom Alliance. [Here is the link once again between Jewish Defense League, Kahane, Islamophobia, Israel-support and my recent comments about Karin McQuillan – Oui]
"But I will not let myself be reduced to silence."
