In an unprecedented move, Dutch asylum minister Marjolein Faber of the Party for Freedom (PVV) has sparked outrage by refusing to sign a nomination for royal honors intended for five individuals who have dedicated themselves to assisting asylum seekers and refugees. This decision has led to significant backlash from various political figures and organizations, raising concerns about the politicization of royal decorations.
Faber's refusal, confirmed in an interview with the ANP news agency, stems from her belief that the work of these volunteers contradicts her strict asylum policies aimed at drastically reducing both the inflow of asylum seekers and the number of residence permits issued. "Their work is at odds with my policy. I stand for a strict asylum policy because I want to drastically reduce the inflow and the number of residence permits as well," Faber stated.
Initially reported by De Telegraaf, the refusal has drawn widespread condemnation. Caroline van der Plas, leader of the BBB party and Faber's coalition partner, expressed her disbelief on social media, stating, "If this is true, it is very, very sad. I hope this is an April Fool's joke, but if it is, it's a very bad joke."
René Paas, the Commissioner of the King in Groningen, warned that royal decorations should not be used as a political tool. In a LinkedIn message, he emphasized, "Royal decorations are not a political instrument. Personal policy views should not undermine the objectivity of the system and can lead to undesirable politicization. We call on all involved to respect existing procedures and criteria and to keep the awarding of royal honors free from political considerations. This is essential to maintain the value and significance of these decorations for society."
Faber's stance has not only attracted criticism from the opposition but also from within her coalition. Pieter Omtzigt, leader of the NSC party, labeled the refusal "bizarre," particularly regarding employees of her own service, the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA). Omtzigt stated, "Refusing awards to the employees of your own service, where hard work is done, is bizarre."
Henri Bontenbal, leader of the CDA, echoed Omtzigt's sentiments, questioning the values and norms of the current cabinet. He remarked, "Royal decorations belong to society and are requested by people from society. Minister Faber is crossing the boundaries of decency here. Where are the values and norms of this cabinet?"
The COA itself expressed "great surprise" at Faber's refusal, stating that those who contribute to society deserve recognition. Milo Schoenmaker, the COA chairman, emphasized, "This applies to our employees and the many volunteers of whom we are immensely proud."
Despite the backlash, Faber's actions have received support from her party leader, Geert Wilders. He praised her decision on social media, asking, "Why would we reward people who cooperate in pampering asylum seekers with a royal decoration? Class action by Faber."
It is important to note that Faber's refusal does not necessarily mean that the five former COA employees will miss out on the royal honors. The nomination process allows for another minister to sign off on the nominations, and the Council of Ministers could also intervene.
The awarding of royal decorations, known as "lintjes" in Dutch, typically follows a formal procedure. Citizens can nominate individuals through their municipality, after which the application is assessed by the mayor and the Commissioner of the King. The Kapittel voor de Civiele Orden then advises whether the nominee is eligible for a decoration, and it is generally expected that ministers will approve these recommendations.
Faber's refusal to sign is highly unusual and has raised alarms about the potential politicization of royal honors. The Kring van commissarissen van de Koning has also expressed concern, reiterating that royal decorations should remain free from political influence.
The Nederlands Genootschap van Burgemeesters has stated that it assumes all parties involved in the royal decoration process adhere to the established rules, which are designed to ensure objectivity and fairness.
Critics have voiced fears that Faber's decision could set a dangerous precedent, undermining the integrity of the royal honors system. As the debate continues, the implications of her actions on the future of royal decorations and their perceived value within Dutch society remain to be seen.
As the situation unfolds, the political landscape surrounding immigration and asylum policies in the Netherlands is likely to remain contentious, with Faber's refusal serving as a flashpoint for broader discussions on the treatment of asylum seekers and the role of political ideology in humanitarian efforts.
