The cabinet failed today to pass a law that would allow for a better distribution of asylum seekers in the country. Last week, the House of Representatives asked the Secretary of State to “send out” a draft by today at the latest, and Van der Burg called it his express wish, but he can’t.

“We’re not done yet,” he said after the weekly cabinet meeting. An earlier target date, October 1, passed weeks ago.

Van der Burg has been discussing the law with the coalition parties for some time, but so far no agreement has been reached. The focus of the discussion is the question of whether municipalities can be forced to accept asylum seekers and whether the law should be limited in time or not. Van der Burg’s own party, the VVD, is particularly critical of his initial proposals.

Van der Burg reiterated today that his law must have support in Parliament, local authorities and society. “Right now, I see I’m not there yet,” he added. The Secretary of State wants the new law to come into force on January 1 next year, but the chances of that happening seem to be diminishing.