Dutch coalition talks stall over stricter asylum policy, gov't future uncertain

The Hague [Netherlands], June 3: Talks among the four Dutch ruling coalition parties on Monday failed to yield a breakthrough on asylum policy, casting doubt over the future of the government.
"It was not a pleasant conversation," said Geert Wilders, leader of the Party for Freedom (PVV), the largest party in the coalition, after the talks. "This does not look good. There is a serious problem."
Wilders expressed frustration with the reluctance of the other three coalition partners to consider stricter asylum measures. "I will sleep on it tonight," he added. The four party leaders are scheduled to meet again on Tuesday.
Last week, Wilders presented a 10-point plan, with the central demand being a full halt to asylum admissions and the closure of Dutch borders to asylum seekers within weeks. He also proposed deploying the Dutch military to secure the borders.
On Sunday, Wilders reiterated his threat to leave the coalition if the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), New Social Contract (NSC), and the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB) did not support the bulk of his proposals.
In response, the coalition parties convened a meeting on Monday to see what exactly Wilders meant with his words.
The other three parties argue that the existing coalition agreement already includes strict asylum measures. They emphasized that it is now the responsibility of PVV Minister for Asylum and Migration Marjolein Faber to implement those policies.
VVD leader Dilan Yesilgoz described the prospect of a government collapse as "irresponsible," while BBB leader Caroline van der Plas said such an outcome "would not be wise."
Source: Xinhua News Agency