The Dutch Elections

What's the respective positions of the LPF and the Christian Democrats on the EU/its institutions, stevo? Will the next NL government go "euro-sceptic"?

LPF - Positive words for contribution to peace and prosperity but decrease burueaucracy, scrap the EU parliament, replace with Senate consisting of representatives of national parliament. Stay in EU but keep own identity, and where possible sovereignity ie subsidiarity. New members only allowed in EU after Dutch referendum.

At least that is what their official manifesto states. In the media Fortuyn went much further demanding a budget rebate ('I'll borrow Thatcher's handbag', and wanted to scrap Schengen reintroducing border controls. By Dutch standards he was very 'euro-sceptic'.

CDA- For a Federal Union, subsidiarity, more transparancy/accountability, more respect for individual nation's culture, education, media and religion. For the extension of both EU membership and the Schengen agreement with caution. Support for leading role of Commission, overseen by parliament, more qualified majority voting in Council of Ministers. Sharper rules for aid development out of Structural Funds (with an eye on future East European members no doubt). Stricter rules on budget deficits for the EMU stablity pact.

Christian Democrats - 43 (last time 39) List Pim Fortuyn - 26 (0) PvDA (Labour Party) - 23 (45) VVD (right-liberal) - 23 (38) Green Left - 11 (11) SP (hard-left) - 9 (5) D'66 (left-liberal)- 7 (14) Christian Union - 4 (5) SGP (orthodox protestant)- 2 (2) Liveable Netherands - 2 (0)

150 seats in parliament, 76 needed for a majority. This represents a crushing defeat for Dutch left, espec Labour. The late-Pim Fortuyn's party, unknown novices on a hard-right agenda, come into the Dutch parliament from nowhere as the second largest party. The Christian Democrats are now the dominant party winning more seats than the polls predicted and now must try to form some workable coalition. In short a massive shift to the right.

Concerned from Holland

Thank God the right are doing well. Don`t you see how sick we are of being second class citizens in our own land? We want our way of life back and we will use the ballot box.

'We' and 'our own land'? Very Blut und Boden . Not sure which 'way of life' you want back Arthur but suspect its not one where most ILEers would feel welcome.

Will have to see won't we Stevo, actually the results could work out brilliantly if a) it starts a proces of extreme renewal at PvdA and D66: old guard out (too slow/too closed off/too technocratic), new guard in (young, fast thinkers who don't have to follow the road to the party's powerspots by having been in the part from age 10). Can be done, look how CDA resurfaced. b) Harry Potter either tells LPF to fuck off or they will bring his coaliton down within 6 months, tops. I really wonder if he wants to put his young political career in the hands of an emotionally retarted mob.

"what causes so much problems is when immigrants flood into a country then don't make any effort to fit in, to learn the code."

(on Talk Radio, last night)

new guard in (young, fast thinkers who don't have to follow the road to the party's powerspots by having been in the part from age 10).
Have anyone in mind Omar? ;)

I don't envy Harry Potter, LPF already look a complete shambles eg open jockying for position, Langendam and *that* interview, Varela prematurely speculating on cabinet posts. Neophytes and light- weights = easy targets for the opposition. Can't see the VVD bursting with enthusiasm to make up the numbers either.

Got to ask though, where was your attention primarily focused last night Omar. The political future of the Netherlands, or Hampden Park, Glasgow?

Stevo Firstly, I am not stupid. Secondly, I am not stupid. Thirdly, I don`t want gas chambers - ok? Racist stereotype avoided? Hope so. If I was Jamaican and spoke about "we" and "our own land" you would be saying `yeah - right on!` But because I`m white I am evil for using the words. My way of life? Briefly - a civilised society with less mugging, raping, murdering, drugs, screaming, shouting and where my ancestors are not spinning in their graves at what we are allowing to happen to our great ancient land which they gave their lives for.

Do not feed the trolls.

Have anyone in mind Omar? ;)

not really ;)

As Cruijf said yesterday before the game: "The elections shouldn't have taken place today" [interviewer looks surprised expects some spiel on politics. ethics. the works] Cruijff continues (i sort of paraphrase): "This is a day of football, a day for Europe, the elections should have been yesterday or tomorrow". Whaddaguy. :)

So yes my attention was at Hampden Park of course.

I think it's great the Dutch are getting their own country back, it must be a real jip having to share all that hardcore pornography and cannabis with foreigners.