Parliament Wants Willem-Alexander Step Down From Bank

The majority of Holland’s Parliament would like to see the country’s Crown Prince step down as a member of the advisory board of the De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB). This, according to the Dutch program, Een Vandaag, which interviewed several Parliamentarians.

The reason for the call is due to some politicians concern for Willem-Alexander since there is a political investigation into the credit crisis.

As of June 30th, not too many Dutch parliamentarians had any comments, but there were some willing to speak out. One, Ewout Irrgang, who agrees that the Prince should step down, because his role is a political one.

“The role of an independent Commissioner does not bear ministerial responsibility by the Prime Minister,” said Irrgang, according to NRC Handelsblad.

Another politician, Frans Weekers, said, “regardless of whether DNB has acted correctly, it can lead to strange situations,”

“If the Crown Prince is called by the parliamentary inquiry, then the Prime Minister will appear there soon.”

Crown Prince Willem-Alexander is commissioner of the DNB, mainly because it prepares him for his role as King. He has been on the board since 1998. His term was renewed in 2006, and will be up July 1st 2010.