Just nine days before the Dutch parliamentary elections on May 15 the popular Dutch politician Pim Fortuyn has been assassinated. Mr. Fortuyn was shot dead in broad daylight on Monday 6 May outside a radio studio near Amsterdam. According to opinion polls the 54-year old former sociology professor was expected to do very well in the upcoming elections. Mr. Fortuyn was a newcomer in Dutch politics and his outspoken statements on social issues and his charismatic appearance give him a lot of popular acclaim and shook up the Dutch political establishment. In an emotional statement Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok declared he was baffled by the tragic incident, which is unique in Dutch political history. Mr. Kok said that it is was deeply tragic for the relatives of Mr. Fortuyn as well as for Dutch democracy. Other Dutch and European politicians expressed themselves likewise. The Dutch Cabinet met in emergency session last night and will gather again today in order to decide whether the elections can go ahead as planned. If it would propose to postpone the elections, this has to be endorsed by Parliament. Meanwhile all political parties have stopped their election campaigns. Dutch police have arrested a 33-year old suspect in relation to the killing.

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