D66 leader Kaag says that her party will not govern with the “extreme right” at the local level. She calls on her national colleagues to “provide the same clarity” before the municipal elections on March 16.
She did not name a party, but said afterwards that she was talking “in particular” about Forum for Democracy, but also about the PVV. In particular, the actions of FvD cause her great concern.
GroenLinks leader Klaver will make the same appeal later in the afternoon. He also believes that a limit has been reached and that parties should not cooperate locally with FvD and PVV.
Kaag spoke at a campaign rally of her party. “Extremism carries false flags or a torch on the street,” she said. “In the House of Representatives it wears a tie. With a small number of seats it often paralyzes the parliamentary order. And now it is knocking on the doors of the council chambers in all parts of the Netherlands.”
Holocaust and tribunals
She also talked about comparisons between the corona measures and the Holocaust and the threat of tribunals. “This extremism inspires threats against public officials,” said the D66 politician, who is himself frequently threatened.
After the meeting, Kaag explained that she does not want to exclude groups of voters. She only cares about the ideas of the parties. “We are concerned about the concerns that people have who are attracted to these kinds of parties. Whether it is because of poverty, a shortage of housing or whatever. We have to tackle financial and socio-economic problems.”
GroenLinks leader Klaver will deliver a similar message later today at a congress of his party: “GroenLinks will not participate in a municipal council together with the extreme right. And I call on my fellow party leaders to draw the same democratic boundary.”
The municipal elections are in a month’s time, on March 16. FvD will participate in 50 municipalities, the PVV in 31.
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