carries out the wishes of parliament in the matter of former congresswoman Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Radio Netherlands reported on Friday. However, the prime minister refused to comment on Verdonk's stance during Tuesday night's parliamentary debate about her decision to revoke Ms Hirsi Ali's Dutch nationality.A large majority of congressmen adopted a motion demanding the minister reconsider her position. Congressmen pointed out that it has been known for some time that Ms Hirsi Ali used a false surname and date of birth on her asylum application. They also argued that the law offered Ms Verdonk sufficient leeway to make exceptions.
In the past few days, Ms Verdonk's actions also raised eyebrows among her colleagues in the cabinet. Prime Minister Balkenende had clearly been caught off guard, and Finance Minister Gerrit Zalm expressed his surprise at Ms Verdonk's rapid decision regarding Ms Hirsi Ali's nationality. Balkenende has also withdrawn his preference to continue ruling with the Liberal (VVD) if his Christian Democrats (CDA) retain power after the 2007 election.