PVV scandal destabilises government

Published on 16 November 2010 at 11:47

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"Lenient sanctions for Party for Freedom (PVV) MP to avoid weakening government," headlines Trouw. Party leader Geert Wilders has decided not to expel Eric Lucassen from the PVV in the wake of revelations of his involvement in an a 2002 sexual abuse scandal. However, Lucassen will no longer be the party’s spokesman on defence and neighbourhood policy. Lucassen, who is also accused of violence and intimidation by his former neighbours in Haarlem, remains essential to the government's wafer-thin majority of 76 (which includes 24 PVV MPs) in the 150-seat lower house of parliament.

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