THE HAGUE, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Dutch government is facing increasing instability as disagreements over asylum policy threaten to fracture the ruling coalition.
Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Migration Minister Marjolein Faber remain committed to declaring an asylum crisis and implementing an emergency law to address ongoing migration issues, despite strong opposition from political parties and growing concerns within their own coalition.
At the heart of the debate is the government's definition of an "asylum crisis," as the Netherlands has long struggled with issues surrounding migrant reception.
This situation raises concerns about the longevity of the current government, which is composed of the Party for Freedom (PVV), the New Social Contract (NSC), the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), and the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB). Achieving unanimity on asylum policy has become elusive.
After taking office in July, the government announced its intention to implement "the strictest migration policy ever." Central to this plan is the proposed use of a state emergency law, allowing for swift action during "exceptional circumstances" without requiring prior approval from the House of Representatives or the Senate.
This measure was a key element of the coalition agreement, strongly advocated by PVV leader Geert Wilders, who recently warned: "If it doesn't go that way, I don't know if we'll continue happily for much longer."
The emergency law has sparked intense debate, facing strong opposition in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. A majority in the Senate passed a motion rejecting the emergency law route as "undesirable."
GroenLinks-PvdA (GreenLeft Labor) senator Paul Rosenmoller voiced his concerns, saying, "The normal process is not fast enough and then we just use an emergency button? That is extremely risky and, frankly, dangerous political reasoning."
Normally, legislation undergoes review by a government advisory body and is debated in both chambers of parliament. Such a process can take up to three years. While a "speed law" could expedite this process, it would still require prior approval from the House and Senate.
The Senate majority argued that stricter migration measures should be pursued through regular legislative channels, such as a speed law, rather than resorting to emergency legislation. However, the government coalition's lack of a majority in the Senate makes it unlikely that the emergency law will pass smoothly.
Prime Minister Schoof acknowledged the Senate's motion as "an important signal" and pledged to "consider it," though he maintained that the emergency law could still be a viable option.
The coalition is divided on the issue. The NSC, a key partner, has expressed reservations about the emergency law, emphasizing that its use must be thoroughly justified, as outlined in the government's plans. This internal discord further threatens the coalition's stability.
Migration Minister Faber is pressing ahead with preparations, drafting a detailed justification for the emergency law to present to the Cabinet. "I have our coalition agreement and our government program, and I am simply going to implement that," he said.
Schoof has said that he expects the Cabinet can address the asylum crisis in October, ahead of the autumn holidays. This discussion could be pivotal, not only for the asylum policy but also for the future of the Dutch government itself. ■