Dutch Labor Party (PVDA) demanded the unconditional withdrawal of all Dutch troops from Afghan province Uruzgan after 2010, whereas the Christian Democrats (CDA), and Christian Union (CU), wanted to keep options open and take time before replying to NATO.
“Unfortunately, I have to conclude there is no fruitful path to allow this cabinet of CDA, PVDA and CU to continue,” said the prime minister, and leader of the CDA, Jan-Peter Balkenende in a statement that announced the fall of the government.
He added, “When there is a lack of trust, an attempt to come to an agreement about content is doomed to fail. It could only be an overture to new controversy in the future.”
PVDA leader Wouter Bos told the press about the Labor Party’s decision to pull out of the cabinet after it had become increasingly clear that there was an “irreconcilable difference in views on our military contribution in Afghanistan.” Bos said that thereafter “the Labor Party could no longer be part of the cabinet in a credible manner.”
A Frail Unity
Relations between the Labor Party and the CDA had increasingly turned sour in recent times. In January, there was a heated debate on the CDA’s and the prime minister’s role in the war on Iraq. In the process, it became clear that there was a lack of unity within the cabinet.
Besides the ruling parties’ contrasting views, there was general dissatisfaction among the public with the cabinet’s performance and lack of leadership in tough economical times.
The Labor Party has been criticized by its supporters for denying socialist ideals since they joined the ruling coalition with the CDA and CU three years ago.
The CU, by far the smallest party in the coalition, took sides with CDA on the Afghanistan matter, and attempted to mend the political row. In terms of power sharing, the CU has had a rather marginal role.
On Friday night, a large crowd of journalist gathered outside of the Parliament building in the Dutch political capital the Hague and when at 4:00 a.m. the news came that the cabinet had fallen, it came as no surprise.
International Reputation Damage
Withdrawal from Afghanistan might harm international relations and consequently have a resonance on The Netherland’s influence globally. Especially since an unconditional “no” to NATO’s request might set a trend among other countries stationed in Afghanistan.
A spokesperson of NATO, however, indicated the organization does not want to interfere with the internal discussion in The Netherlands.
It will be difficult for NATO to find a country willing to replace the Dutch soldiers. After the Belgians and Australians officially declined to do so, it seems likely that the Americans will be the ones to fill in the vacancy, as withdrawing from the province seems not to be an option.
Since Aug. 1, 2006, the Dutch have about 1,800 soldiers and support staff stationed in the southern province of Uruzgan. A total of 21 Dutch soldiers have been killed.
A spokesperson of the Dutch Military Union called the Labor Party’s insistence on unconditional withdrawal from Afghanistan an “abuse for political gain.”
“It is a shame that politicians do not get information from soldiers that are serving or have served there. Ministers and MP’s that now do most of the talking haven’t even been or hardly have been there!” Military Union spokesperson, Jean Debie, was reported as saying by the Telegraaf.
Future Matters
On Monday, Prime Minister Balkenende will offer his government’s resignation to the Dutch queen. Theoretically, the queen can request the government reconsider but this is unlikely.
This now makes Jan-Peter Balkenende’s fourth government that has fallen before the end of its four-year term. Yet, the Christian Democrats once again selected Balkenende to remain party leader for the upcoming elections. The elections are expected within several months.
Opposition leaders are said to be pleased with the fall of the cabinet and the election campaign is already underway.
“What was long awaited, finally came, the flag can be hoisted. The worst cabinet ever, didn’t deserve to rule one more day,” Geert Wilders, the leader of opposition Party of the Freedom (PVV), was reported as saying by Dutch press.
According to the latest polls, Labor’s decision to pull out has given them a boost in popularity. But still, the CDA and Geert Wilders’ right-wing PVV are still on top as the biggest parties.
The current government will continue to rule, without the Labor Party, until there is a new government. But all important decisions will be put on hold as the outgoing government is not allowed to make any crucial decisions. Commentators have called this a case of extremely bad timing given that the economic crisis requires strong leadership.
The decision to withdraw Dutch troops in 2010 still stands and the dismantling will commence in August.
