Prime Minister Schoof calls the departure of NSC members 'irresponsible' and 'further deliberation necessary'

Caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof considers it "irresponsible" for the NSC ministers to have resigned from the already-fallen cabinet. Schoof told the parliamentary press this Friday evening. "This is a worthless day; this benefits no one."

In Parliament, Schoof read a short statement. He said that "further deliberation on the current political situation is necessary." This weekend, the Prime Minister wants to discuss "the way forward" with the remaining cabinet members, members of the VVD and BBB parties. Schoof hopes to inform Parliament about this after the weekend.

After the cabinet had spent most of the day discussing measures against Israel due to the devastating Israeli war in Gaza, NSC Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp resigned. He felt he lacked the necessary leeway to take the steps he deemed necessary. An hour later, it became clear that the other four ministers and four state secretaries of the party founded by Pieter Omtzigt were also leaving.

Schoof "regrets" their departure, he read in the House of Representatives. "Especially in light of the responsibilities the cabinet has in this caretaker phase." Several parliamentary groups wanted Schoof to stay for the debate on Gaza and the possible measures, which continued Friday evening with Veldkamp's replacement, Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans (VVD).

Hope and expectation

Schoof told reporters afterward that he "had hoped and expected all day long that we would reach an agreement." "But that [expectation] gradually shifted. We really tried with all three of us. Apparently, that wasn't enough for one party."

It's unclear exactly what measures led to the stalling. It is clear, however, that the NSC wants to take more measures against Israel than the VVD and BBB. Schoof "had the feeling we were practically done."

Schoof was initially scheduled to travel to Ukraine this weekend for a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He canceled that trip due to the cabinet crisis. The House of Representatives will debate the departure of the NSC ministers next Monday or Tuesday.

With the cooperation of Lamyae Aharouay.