The Netherlands, on Thursday, declared it will opt out of European Union rules and bring in its ‘strictest-ever’ asylum policy following Geert Wilders‘ shock election victory.
The newly agreed Dutch coalition government said the new policy will see people removed from the European country ‘by force’ – setting up a clash with leaders in Brussels even before it has taken office.
Details of the Agreement
The 26-page coalition agreement emerged Thursday morning after six months of gruelling talks between four parties following last years’ stunning election victory by Wilders, the long-time Euro-sceptic and leader of the far-Right PVV party.
The parties said they would file a request to the European Commission for an opt-out on European asylum policy ‘as soon as possible’.
What This Means
People without a valid residence permit will be deported ‘by force if necessary,’ said the report.
Wilders on Wednesday reached a deal to form a coalition with three right-wing partners, almost six months after last year’s major election victory. He has ruled himself out of the top job, but has not yet proposed his choice for prime minister.Â
The four-party coalition says it will aim for the ‘strictest-ever asylum regime’ with stronger border controls and harsher rules for asylum seekers who arrive in the Netherlands.
‘An opt out clause for European asylum and migration policies will be submitted as soon as possible to the European Commission,’ the coalition says in its pact.
‘Concrete steps will be taken towards the strictest ever entry rules for asylum and the most comprehensive ever package to control migration,’ the agreement said.
