Angus Reid Global Scan: Polls & Research

Amsterdam, Holland, May 28, 2006 – Adults in the Netherlands are disappointed with the actions of a lawmaker, according to a poll by TNS NIPO. 83 per cent of respondents believe Ayaan Hirsi Ali should resign from the lower house.

The Somali-born Hirsi Ali was first elected as a representative of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). She had been a target of at least one militant organization due to her critical views on Islam.

On May 15, Dutch officials revealed that Hirsi Ali provided false information when she applied for refugee status, and then when she sought citizenship. The next day, the lawmaker announced that she would leave the Second Chamber immediately. Hirsi Ali confirmed that she intends to move to the United States and work at the American Enterprise Institute.

In the January 2003 election, the Christian-Democratic Appeal (CDA) elected 44 lawmakers to the 150-seat Second Chamber. CDA member Jan Peter Balkenende has acted as minister president since July 2002. In early 2003, Balkenende established his second coalition government with the VVD and Democrats 66 (D66).

The next legislative ballot is tentatively scheduled for January 2007.

Polling Data

Do you think Ayaan Hirsi Ali should resign from Parliament herself?

Yes 83%

No 17%

Source: TNS NIPO

Methodology: Interviews with 600 Dutch adults, conducted on May 15, 2006. No margin of error was provided.

Source: Angus Reid