Prime Minister in favor

EU rearmament: Dutch parliament against

Although Wilders' party is part of the government, there was no approval on Wednesday for the EU defense pact - which the prime minister had previously agreed to.(Bild: EPA/REMKO DE WAAL)

The Dutch governing coalition under the leadership of independent Prime Minister Dick Schoof is showing the first serious cracks in its EU defense policy. With a narrow majority, the parliament in The Hague rejected the controversial EU rearmament plan on Wednesday. 

Just last week, the EU heads of government, including Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, had approved the billion-euro plan. However, MEPs from three of the four coalition parties have now also voted against it. This includes the radical right-wing PVV of right-wing populist Geert Wilders.

The main point of criticism from the parties is the possible financing through an increase in national debt.

Wilders also against it
Wilders declared in The Hague that the non-party Prime Minister Schoof should now withdraw his consent in Brussels. "That's the way it should be in a democracy," he said. The defense issue thus further divides the country's already unstable right-wing government.

The right-wing liberal VVD - the party of current NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte - supports the EU plan. It would be "irresponsible" if the Netherlands were to withdraw its support now, said VVD MPs. The government does not want to react until a later date.