The Dutch Parliament is currently debating the financial crisis, and the government’s ’solution’ to it. The economic plan put forth by the Dutch government has lots in common with the one accepted by Democrats in the U.S.: future generations will have to work years if not decades in order to pay off the debt accumulated by those in power today.

Members of the government coalition are behaving incredibly arrogant. They told the opposition that their opinions did not matter, that they had agreed with each other on a ‘plan’ and that all other alternatives would not even be taken serious. Why have a debate then, many wondered?

Geert Wilders, leader of the PVV, responded as a master of political opportunism: his entire party stood up, he approached the mic and told the representatives of the government they’d leave because the debate was useless. The entire party walked out saying “we are fed up, the country is fed up.”

As said, a masterly move. Wilders may not be the most educated member of parliament, but he is an absolute political genius. He expresses the emotions and thoughts felt and held by many if not most Dutch. Of course walking out of a debate in Parliament can hardly be called democratic – we have a parliamentary system, even if you’re angry you have to debate and represent your voters – but Wilders’ move will undoubtedly increase his popularity, for most Dutch agree with his description of this country’s government and politics in general.

Mark Rutte, the man who leads the conservative liberal VVD, is perhaps the best informed MP. He is speaking as I wrote this piece, and doing a tremendous job exposing the government’s plan’s weaknesses. “Instead of solving this major crisis, you act like a clueless father who gives ‘the children’ [i.e. voters] a lollypop,” he told Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende.

Rutte’s problem, however, is that Wilders plays the political game better than he does. Wilders’ economic plans are even more horrible than those of the government, but because he walked out no one can say so. Rutte’s plans are sensible and would greatly improve this country’s economy in the short, middle and long run. But he fails to use the sentiment so prevalent in Dutch society today, that we’re just fed up with politics in general, which will cost Rutte’s party seats during future elections.

And that’s a pity, for Rutte is exactly the kind of politician this country needs now.