Netherlands Set to 'Opt Out' of EU Asylum Policy

Netherlands Set to 'Opt Out' of EU Asylum Policy
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The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Notwithstanding the fact that it's illegal for the Netherlands to get an "opt out" clause for EU asylum and migration policies, the goal of the incoming coalition is nonsensical at best. Europe has long needed a collective plan to deal with the growing influx of irregular migrants — and after a decade of negotiations, this one seems to be the best outcome possible.

Right narrative

As the Netherlands is one of the most densely populated nations in Europe and currently faces a migrant crisis, it's only natural that the incoming coalition will focus on reforming the country's asylum policy as well as its migration rules. Finally, the Dutch government will work for its own people.

Left narrative

Ever since the Dutch mainstream media began normalizing Wilders and his far-right PVV, one could only expect that he would be able to form a government of his own and tilt at windmills. The Netherlands has no asylum crisis. Applications have been steady since the 1990s, and nearly all immigrants are migrant workers — who are vital to the economy — and expats.

Metaculus Prediction


Political split

LEFT

RIGHT

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