Informant Ronald Plasterk has given the go-ahead for the first series of talks that should lead to the formation of a right-wing cabinet, with the immigration issue as a spearhead.
The agenda that Geert Wilders (PVV), Dilan Yesilgöz (VVD), Pieter Omtzigt (NSC) and Caroline van der Plas (BBB) are discussing under the leadership of the former PvdA minister is curious. They will talk about the Constitution and the democratic constitutional state. These are not usually themes that are discussed in general when attempting to form a new coalition.
Wilders’ rhetoric
Now that the PVV has become the largest party in the parliamentary elections, things are different. Of the discussion partners, Omtzigt and Yesilgöz in particular questioned the program and rhetoric of Wilders and his party during the election campaigns, which show little respect for the rule of law. The leaders of NSC, VVD and BBB can now test the PVV leader about his thinking and actions on this point.
Sharp edges
Wilders has stated that he is prepared to put the sharp edges of his party program ‘on hold’, but has not taken back any of his previous statements. Various parties have therefore rightly questioned the ethos, conviction and credibility with which the PVV leader communicated his new reasonableness.
It is difficult for his three interlocutors to convey that skepticism. These parties have to deal with a constituency that attaches great urgency to the immigration issue. A strict approach to this is only possible with the PVV. While that party sees its electorate growing explosively in the polls, the VVD sees voters leaving en masse.
Worrying
That is worrying. If the four parties arrive at a unanimous assessment of the Constitution and the democratic constitutional state, this will soon set a standard. Respect for the rule of law principles has been subject to a process of erosion with the rise of the PVV. VVD, BBB and NSC have a great responsibility to stop this decline, whether or not in a statement shared with Wilders.