Reactions to Pro, budget, and arrests (Saturday, March 28)

The new name Progressief Nederland, abbreviated as Pro, elicits mixed reactions among local parties. ProHengelo, ProVeenendaal, Pro Vlissingen, and PRO Eindhoven fear confusion among voters. Some are considering objections or legal action, but Rhenen and Leusden are positive.

The Jetten cabinet has limited room to maneuver, and the House of Representatives does not want major cuts. The deficit will remain 2.9 percent next year, after a setback of 3 billion euros. Minister Heinen feels pressure, and the conflict in the Middle East is not yet taken into account.

Mona Keijzer resigned her membership from BoerBurgerBeweging (BBB) during a members’ meeting in Barneveld about unrest and criticism. She lacks confidence in the party leadership, and mediation does not help. Keijzer remains a member of the House of Representatives; senator Robert van Gasteren also resigned, but wants to remain in the BBB parliamentary group.

The police arrested three new suspects after incidents at synagogues. They are a 20-year-old man from Tilburg and two men from Amsterdam. Two are related to the explosion in Rotterdam, the third to Heemstede; their roles remain unknown.