New Dutch govt to 'opt out' of EU asylum rules

The newly formed Dutch coalition government Thursday proposed the toughest asylum policy to date, including ‘opting out’ of European Union rules. The government also announced plans to consider relocating its Israel embassy to Jerusalem.

The 26-page coalition agreement was unveiled early Thursday after six months of arduous discussions among four parties, following the surprising election victory of far-right leader Geert Wilders.

Geert Wilders, known for his anti-Islam stance, and three other party leaders reached a coalition agreement early Thursday, steering the Netherlands sharply to the right. Despite six months of intense negotiations, it remains uncertain who will assume the role of prime minister.

“An opt out clause for European asylum and migration policies will be submitted as soon as possible to the European Commission,” the coalition says in its pact. It is unclear whether such a request will be granted.

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Labour migration will also be curbed, and admittance of foreign students to Dutch universities will become stricter, the parties said.

The deal brings together Wilders’ PVV with outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s centre-right VVD, the new NSC party and farmers’ protest party BBB in a coalition with a strong majority of 88 seats in the 150-seat Lower House.

With the broad agreement reached, an independent intermediary will now be tasked with forming the cabinet of ministers, a process that is expected to take at least another month.

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It is still unclear who will become Prime Minister as Wilders, known for his outspoken views on Islam, in March vowed to forego the role in order to get his prospective government partners to the negotiating table.

Wilders has not announced yet who he will put forward for the top job. The new government also said it will keep up political and military support to Ukraine and will make it legally binding to spend at least 2% of Dutch gross domestic product on defence, in line with NATO agreements.

The parties aim to build four nuclear power reactors in the coming decade and vow to ease the burden of environmental rules for farmers.

With inputs from agencies.