Rita Verdonk - a controversial Dutch politicianFor the complete report in the International Herald Tribune click on this link
Netherlands's hardline immigration minister "Iron Rita" dented but standing
Verdonk made international headlines last month by threatening to ban the Muslim burqa in the Netherlands on the eve of national elections, but became a lame duck after her VVD Party was drubbed in the vote. She remains in her post as caretaker minister until a new coalition government is formed, a process that could take months. When the new parliament convened, leftist parties with a slim majority voted an amnesty for 26,000 illegal immigrants who have been in the country longer than five years.Late Wednesday, Balkenende told parliament Verdonk would turn over part of her duties to a colleague who will halt deportations, but she will remain sitting, in an apparent attempt at a compromise.
"It's unbelievable, isn't it, that parliament would dismiss a minister and she would believe she can stay in office," said Wouter Bos, leader of the opposition Labor Party.
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