Baudet's letter on the formation of government

On 30 November, FVD party leader Thierry Baudet spoke to Ronald Plasterk, the parliamentary “scout” about the election results and the steps he believes should be taken in the formation of a new government. Baudet handed over the letter below and explained it in detail.

Dear Ronald,

It is with great pleasure that I address you through this letter. Your appointment as scout in this formation process has positively surprised me, especially because - as you know - I often read your columns in De Telegraaf with approval and I expect that - precisely because of your background as a (nota bene!) 'left-wing' politician - you can help bring a fresh and connecting wind to The Hague.

Forum for Democracy sees in the election results of 22 November a clear call from the Dutch population for a different political course. The big themes were immigration, climate politics and the associated rising costs for the population, the increasing influence of the European Union on our lives and, in general, a feeling of having lost our 'grip' on our own existence.

Although our party is obviously not among the big winners, we are nevertheless very pleased with the result. It now seems important to translate the will of the people into policy - something that obviously can only happen if a cabinet can be formed.

We will - within our limited possibilities - do what we can to help the winner of these elections gain a majority. And we will see with great interest what will turn out to be true of all kinds of election promises by the other parties - VVD, NSC and BBB - on the restriction of migration, the restoration of sovereignty and the improvement of purchasing power (a goal which, implies putting unaffordable climate targets into perspective).

Should there be a need for our experience which is wider than just parliamentary seats to fill one or more ministerial posts, we will not shy away from it.

With cordial regards, 

Thierry Baudet