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Monday 13 February RNW - NEWS AND ANALYSIS FROM THE NETHERLANDS IN 10 LANGUAGES, WORLDWIDE 24/7 ON RADIO, TV AND ONLINE
Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende
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The Hague, Netherlands
The Hague, Netherlands

Dutch PM slams Wilders' as "irresponsible"

Published on : 19 March 2010 - 7:35pm | By RNW News Desk (Photo: ANP)
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Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende has lashed out at far-right politician Geert Wilders for insulting Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

At a recent news conference in London, PVV leader Wilders called the Turkish PM "a total freak". In his weekly TV interview, Prime Minister Balkenende denounced Mr Wilders' remark as "absolutely irresponsible". "One may disagree with policies, but it is unacceptable in international diplomacy to use these sort of terms. If the Netherlands is going to operate in this style, the country will face big problems," the PM stressed.

Mr Balkenende warned that statements such as those made by Mr Wilders could harm employment and companies in the Netherlands.

Last week, the head of the Dutch employers' federation (VNO-NCW), Bernard Wientjes, also warned that Mr Wilders is damaging Dutch interests. He described Mr Wilders' remarks about the Turkish PM as "outrageous".

 

  • Geert Wilders<br>&copy; Photo: ANP - http://www.anp.nl

Discussion

Anonymous 23 March 2010 - 9:22pm

See what else Balkenende had to say about Wilders (and Bos)..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwXh3aAF0Nw

Anonymous 21 March 2010 - 9:42am / indonesia

speaking the truth is public (or national )issue. and feeling embarrassed is personal/group issue.

Anonymous 21 March 2010 - 8:22am / indo

go geert

David Berridge 21 March 2010 - 4:32am / Canada

How much more proof is required to demonstrate that Geert and the PVV are absolutely incapable of forming and leading a government in the Netherlands? it is astounding that such a significant proportion of the Dutch electorate can allow themselves to be taken in by Geert and his crowd.

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