May 27, 2012

Conflict Between Parliament and Ombudsman

A conflict has arisen between Parliament and National Ombudsman Alex Brenninkmeijer. The Ombudsman had said last month that the government which has since resigned wants to push the independent justice system so far backwards “that one wonders whether anything remains of it.” He referred to laws such as the prohibition of burkas, the prohibition of double nationality and the establishment of an animal police unit as “symbolic” proposals of law. He added that in his opinion, the cabinet was acting out of spite because it felt that the independent judges just disturbed technocracy. A majority of Parliament considers that the statements of the ombudsman were too political, unacceptable, unfounded and improper.
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2012/05/23/kritiek-van-ombudsman-gaat-tweede-kamer-veel-te-ver/