During the General Discussions, six months before the House of Representatives elections, we will get a foretaste of what important election themes will be.
The campaign of the upcoming parliamentary elections in March 2021 will of course be about corona. About the measures taken by the cabinet, the testing policy of the GGD and about the economic crisis that follows the health crisis. But while the elections still seem a long way off, Wednesday’s General Political Reflections are also becoming increasingly clear what other major election issues will be.
For example, the group chairmen of the left-wing opposition parties make it clear to Klaas Dijkhoff of the VVD on Wednesday afternoon that they think the cabinet should do more to regulate the overstrained housing market. GroenLinks leader Jesse Klaver asks the cabinet to pay attention to the high rents in the free sector. According to him, young people in particular are now falling victim to the soaring prices. He hopes the cabinet will work on a policy to limit rent increases outside the large housing corporations.
VVD also wants a stronger government
Dijkhoff also receives questions about housing from the SP. Because how is it possible that the government says that the real solution to the overstrained housing market must be found in building, building, building, but that only 729 social rental homes have been added in recent years? “That’s about one street a year,” says SP party leader Lilian Marijnissen, outraged.
On some points, the positions of the left-wing parties and coalition partner VVD appear to be closer to each other than may be expected. Because a tougher intervention in the housing market is largely in line with the ideas that Dijkhoff sets out during his contribution to the debate. He wants fair trade, less dependence and a stronger government. And so he would like to discuss how the rent increase can also be maximized outside the corporations. And does he agree with the SP that the national government should take more control when it comes to new building plans.
“Politically Correct Dictatorship”
Earlier in the day it became clear that in the coming months the PVV also wants to talk about the Dutch constitutional state in addition to Islam and migration. Party chairman Geert Wilders uses a great deal of his input to talk about his conviction. With now well-known slogans such as “The Netherlands is a banana republic”, or a “politically correct dictatorship”, Wilders clearly shows on Wednesday morning that he does not agree with this. The fact that he was found guilty of group insult, but rapper Akwasi is not being prosecuted, and the minister of justice did not have to pay a fine for breaking the corona rules, testifies to “class justice” as far as he is concerned. The rule of law is bankrupt, is his now well-known summary. “Lady Justice is not blind, she is favoritism.”
With their interruptions to Wilders’ speech, the left-wing opposition parties have meanwhile shown that they consider other themes important. During the coming campaign, the PvdA wants to talk about fair working conditions and equal job opportunities. Party chairman Lodewijk Asscher therefore addresses the PVV leader on his voting behavior during debates about strengthening the position of flex workers, such as meal deliverers. “When push comes to shove, Wilders simply agrees with the VVD”, Asscher reproaches.
GroenLinks chooses the attack
GroenLinks chooses to go on the offensive when it comes to racism and discrimination. According to party chairman Jesse Klaver, Wilders denies the problems in that area and refuses to take action to combat institutional racism. “I don’t think Mr. Wilders is against racism at all. In fact, your entire speech here today is laced with racist expressions. That is allowed here in parliament, but it is disgusting. ”
Wilders is not impressed by the reproaches and rhetorical techniques of his political opponents. He takes an open advance on the elections during his contribution, and says he thinks he will become prime minister. “I stand here with my head held high and more energy than ever,” he told the other MPs. “We are getting stronger, stronger, stronger. You will see all of that next March. ”
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During the General Discussions you get to know the family of politicians
Wednesday is the day again: the General Political Reflections (APB). The most important debate of the year, in which the contours of the coming political year are outlined. And the debate in which we can get to know the family of our representatives a bit better.
