THE HAGUE: “Dutch Ex-Spy Chief Sworn In as PM: Vows to Curb Asylum”, Former spy chief Dick Schoof becomes the new Dutch prime minister on Tuesday (Jul 2), leading a right-wing coalition cabinet on a mission to implement the “strictest-ever” immigration policy in the country.
“Dick Schoof assumes Dutch PM role 223 days after Geert Wilders’ surprising election triumph, marking the end of Mark Rutte’s 14-year tenure.”
Wilders was forced to shelve his own ambitions to be prime minister to keep rocky coalition talks on track – some negotiation partners considered his anti-Muslim and eurosceptic statements too extreme to lead the nation.
“Wilders sidelined as PM contender in coalition talks due to anti-Muslim, eurosceptic stance, deemed too extreme by negotiation partners.”
“Coalition partners opt against their leaders in government; compromise on Schoof, 67, ex-head of Dutch Secret Service.”
Keen marathon runner Schoof will need all his stamina and experience in the halls of power in The Hague to keep the shaky coalition partners on track.
Schoof “will have a lot of work keeping ideological and personal conflicts under control”, Sarah de Lange, professor of political pluralism at the University of Amsterdam, told AFP.
He has vowed to implement “decisively” the coalition plans for the “strictest-ever admission policy for asylum and the most comprehensive package for getting a grip on migration”.
The 26-page coalition agreement, titled “Hope, courage and pride”, also called to examine the idea of moving the Dutch embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Schoof has said he aims to be “a prime minister for all Dutch citizens”, adding: “I am without a party. I don’t see myself kowtowing to Mr Wilders”.
