Dutch right-wing parties file bill to scrap asylum distribution law

A group of right-wing opposition parties, led by JA21, have submitted an initiative bill to repeal the "spreidingswet" – the law that requires a fair allocation of asylum seekers across Dutch municipalities. The proposal is supported by FVD, BBB, the Markuszower group and independent MP Mona Keijzer, with backing from the PVV, but it does not have a majority in the Tweede Kamer.

JA21 MP Simon Ceulemans argues that the law "zet de lokale democratie buitenspel en gaat compleet voorbij aan de kern van het probleem" and that accommodation should always remain voluntary: "Zolang asielopvang in Nederland plaatsvindt, moet dat altijd op vrijwillige basis zijn." He claims the law shifts the burden onto municipalities without reducing the high influx of asylum seekers.

The governing coalition (VVD, D66, CDA) has pledged to keep the law in place until enough permanent and flexible shelters are available, as stated in the coalition agreement. Given the current parliamentary balance, the initiative faces slim chances of swift passage.