PvdA leader Lodewijk Asscher will not stand for election during the upcoming parliamentary elections. Asscher says he will give up his position as party leader because the “discussion” surrounding his role in the House is currently “too big”. The PvdA leader was under fire for his role in the benefits affair.
Last week it turned out that more than a hundred party members had given up their confidence in Asscher. Asscher previously called his role in the benefits affair “painful” and apologized several times.
Between 2012 and 2017, Asscher was involved in the benefits affair as Minister of Social Affairs. Thousands of parents were incorrectly classified as fraudsters by the tax authorities for years, after which many got into serious financial problems. As a result, relationships broke down and people were evicted from their homes.
The tax authorities were also guilty of ethnic profiling by more strictly controlling parents with dual nationality. The committee investigating the case found that the fundamental principles of the rule of law had been violated.
“I fervently hope that a stronger PvdA will be elected on 17 March because I think that is essential for a fair future. Because I think we should talk about a Netherlands after corona. But I note that the discussion about my role at the moment, makes it impossible to provide for that. I look forward to serving society in a different way, in a different place and at a different time, “said Asscher.
The cabinet will meet on Friday about the political consequences of the benefits affair
The cabinet is expected to decide on Friday whether the benefits affair will have further political consequences. Prime Minister Mark Rutte, among others, has promised to come up with an official response.
Those involved have been discussing the report for weeks Unprecedented injustice, about the abuses in the government regarding the childcare allowance. According to Rutte, the cabinet wants to take the time to respond to all issues in the report.
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