Prime minister Dick Schoof is not attending Wednesday morning’s parliamentary debate on his immigration minister’s refusal to sign off on honours for volunteers — and has not given a reason for his absence.
MPs called the debate to discuss Marjolein Faber’s decision not to approve awards for five volunteers who had worked with refugee settlement agency COA. In a letter to parliament on Tuesday evening, Faber said she is “100% behind” Schoof’s decision to sign the approvals in her place.
According to public broadcaster NOS, much of the opposition argues that Schoof should take part in the debate, as cabinet unity is at stake. The leaders of three of the four main cabinet parties have criticised Faber’s stance, calling it “petty” and “sad.”
NOS also reports that PVV leader Geert Wilders, VVD leader Dilan Yesilgöz, NSC leader Pieter Omtzigt and Caroline van der Plas of the BBB will not participate in the debate either. Wilders earlier gave Faber his full support.
RTL commentator Frits Wester described Schoof’s absence as “most remarkable.”
Faber wrote in her note to MPs that she is “100% behind the prime minister’s decision and there is therefore complete unity within the cabinet.” However, Ingrid Coenradie, prison’s minister and fellow PVV representative, has also criticised Faber’s decision.
The debate is being broadcast live on NOS from 10:15 am.
Thank you for donating to DutchNews.nl.
We could not provide the Dutch News service, and keep it free of charge, without the generous support of our readers. Your donations allow us to report on issues you tell us matter, and provide you with a summary of the most important Dutch news each day.
Make a donation