Dutch minister cancels WEF plans after Wilders’ comment

Dutch economic affairs minister Dirk Beljaarts has cancelled his plans to attend the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos after his party leader Geert Wilders stated on social media that no PVV ministers or MPs would be attending.

The pro-farmers BBB is also boycotting the event, which takes place in the Swiss town between 20 and 24 January.

Wilders did not explain why no PVV representatives would be at the meeting, but, according to the AD, the WEF’s reputation as a venue where deals are made behind closed doors by a “global elite” may have played a role.

Beljaarts had been planning to attend, and his name is on the guest list, but a spokesperson has since confirmed he will not be attending, citing a full diary. However, other sources in The Hague told the AD that the minister had been stopped by Wilders.

Prime minister Dick Schoof, climate minister Sophie Hermans, and defence minister Ruben Brekelmans will be attending the meeting. Hermans and Brekelmans are ministers on behalf of the VVD.

Former prime minister Mark Rutte, now the chief of NATO, will also be present, as will the UN’s special representative in Gaza, Sigrid Kaag. The theme of this year’s event is “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age”.

The Dutch government information service has not yet shared Schoof’s schedule, stating it is still being planned.

Schoof himself said he had not tried to persuade Beljaarts or others to attend. “That is up to individual ministers,” his spokesperson said. “However, we believe it is a good platform for exchanging ideas.”