Rutte survives Parliamentary Inquiry Committee debate

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Prime Minister Rutte has survived a heavy debate about natural gas extraction in Groningen. Although a large part of the opposition lost confidence in him during the debate, the coalition parties kept Rutte in the saddle.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte after a debate on the report of the Parliamentary Inquiry Committee on Natural Gas Extraction Groningen.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte after a debate on the report of the Parliamentary Inquiry Committee on Natural Gas Extraction Groningen. (ANP / ANP / Robin Utrecht)

During the debate, the various factions expressly wanted to hear from the Prime Minister whether he takes the criticism seriously. And why he’s not resigning. ‘Then why don’t you resign?’, Rutte repeated and then gave the answer himself: ‘I want to be part of the way forward to implement these things. That is my absolute ambition’.

Insufficient difference

The prime minister did not think resignation was an option, but he did put on his penitent again and acknowledged that he was ‘not able to make enough of a difference’. He says he agrees with the conclusion of the parliamentary committee of inquiry and that the whole issue has deeply affected him. And for those who think it will get him in the cold clothes: ‘We all type differently, I’m not someone who quickly shows tears’. Rutte vowed to want the best for the Netherlands and to do his job 24 hours a day.

The coalition parties VVD, D66, CDA and ChristenUnie were satisfied with the apologies. The opposition parties did not, they supported a vote of no confidence. The SGP again did not agree.

‘I’m not one to shed tears easily’

Mark Rutte, Prime Minister

Earlier in the evening, State Secretary Hans Vijlbrief of Mining had explained his approach so that Groningen residents can be helped faster and less complicated. The cabinet may want to turn off the gas tap this year and release extra money for those affected. They can submit up to 60,000 euros in damages without proof. D66 Member of Parliament Faissal Boulakjar wanted a firm commitment from Rutte about this, and a vote will be taken on parliamentary motions on Tuesday.

Listen to the Studio Den Haag podcast about the debate here


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