The possibility of a right-wing coalition in the Netherlands increased after PVV leader Geert Wilders withdrew two controversial anti-Muslim law proposals and one targeting dual nationality that had all been slammed by the Council of State (see related story). To what extent his prospective partners Dilan Yeşilgöz (VVD), Pieter Omtzigt (NSC) and Caroline van der Plas (BBB) will be sufficiently reassured about guaranteeing the rule of law remains to be seen.
Their concerns mainly stem from positions taken by PVV, which aren’t always deemed consistent with the Dutch Constitution. It will be up to Wilders to convince the others.
However, these four parties have similar ideas too on, for example, migration and poverty alleviation. VVD’s decision not to join the next cabinet but offer only parliamentary support has been questioned and could prove a liability, but the chance of a successful formation now seems better than average also because a viable alternative is lacking.
Some on the islands are worried because such a government would be less accommodating towards particularly the three Caribbean countries and their people. PVV has even been known to openly suggest getting rid of them in the past.
However, nothing major will likely change anytime soon. Governing is continuity certainly within the European Union (EU) and commitments made by the state must in principle be honoured. What’s more, Wilders has apparently already started to learn the difference between making noise in the legislature and attempting to carry executive responsibility.
Although creating new or extending existing agreements may be a different story, no immediate drastic turnaround in current policy regarding kingdom ties should be expected. If and when the time comes to talk about a different constitutional future, leaders of Curaçao, Aruba and St. Maarten would do well to join forces and define a common strategy to face that challenge with confidence and faith, as did their predecessors over many decades at various Round Table Conferences, Kingdom Summits, etcetera.
“Fear is my only carriage,” sang the incomparable Bob Marley. It can also be a poor adviser.
