Live blog room debate over ribbon riot cabinet sheaf

The debate about the unity of cabinet policy was stopped on Wednesday morning before it could start well, because the opposition wants Prime Minister Dick Schoof to come to the House to answer. The coalition fractions blocked that proposal, on which GroenLinks-PvdA leader Frans Timmermans applied for a joint and several mood. As usual, parties get three hours to collect their MPs for such a vote, although that will not be necessary if Prime Minister Schoof decides to come to the Chamber.

As Prime Minister, he is pre -eminently responsible for a debate about unity of cabinet policy, says the opposition. Their hope is that coalition politicians find that too, and go against their group. D66 leader Rob Jetten « wants to hear from every member of NSC » what they think about the absence of Schoof.

The prime minister seems to be available, but not wanting to come. Last night he canceled a meeting in Belgium, so that he could be with today’s debate. He didn’t think it was necessary to come.

Esther Ouwehand of the Party for the Animals said that if the House of Representatives « have to ask again to come up with a debate that he himself is responsible, » he « does not understand » his role and « unsuitable. »

Only Minister Marjolein Faber (PVV) of Asylum is currently delegated on behalf of the cabinet. Faber caused the cabinet problems because she refused to award ribbons to five volunteers, who had committed themselves for asylum seekers and status holders. Prime Minister Schoof and Minister of the Interior Judith Uitermark (NSC) finally awarded the ribbons.