International

Similar to the housing associations found in some parts of the UK, Dutch housing corporations, although privatised just over a decade ago, are non-profit foundations obliged to meet a number of exacting statutory obligations. Vital to the provision of affordable housing in the Netherlands, they are now under fire from the European Commission. Kartika Liotard, Member of the European Parliament for the SP, explains.

Socialist Party MP Harry van Bommel has called on Justice Minister Piet Hein Donner to appear before Parliament to give an explanation of his remark that if the Netherlands voted to reject the proposed European Constitution this might lead to the threat of war. Mr Donner made the remark during a meeting of his party in Ede, saying that a 'no' could lead to a Balkan-type scenario. According to Mr Van Bommel, the minister's statement represents “an indirect threat aimed at the voter.”