House debates citizens’ initiative

11 June 2013

The House will debate a citizens’s initiative on Wednesday June 12. Subject is a plea for sanctions against Israel as a protest against the construction of a wall on the borders of Palestinian territory. The initiative will be presented by former prime minister Dries van Agt.

Since 2006 Dutch citizens can influence the agenda of the House of Parliament. They need at least 40.000 signatures. There are some other preconditions. When the initiative is accepted, there will be a plenary debate. In this debate a representatives of the authors of the initiative has the opportunity to present it to the House in a plenary session. The presentation will be followed by a debate with a cabinet member.

The subject to be discussed on Wednesday is a plea for sanctions against Israel as a protest against the construction of a wall on the borders of Palestinian territory.  The initiative will be presented by the former Dutch prime minister Dries van Agt (1977-1982). The House will debate the proposal with minister for Foreign Affairs Frans Timmermans.