The Swiss Islamics professor Tariq Ramadan has informed Leiden University that he is not accepting a chair there. The political turmoil surrounding his possible advent is alleged to have nothing to do with his decision. For Leiden University Ramadan was the chief candidate for the chair in Islamic studies. Nevertheless a spokesman explains that it was never certain he would actually come. “We were still discussing this with him when the press announced his coming as a fact “, he tells us when asked. The report was followed by political turmoil. According to the PVV of Wilders, Ramadan is connected with Al Qaida and promotes the destruction of the State of Israel. GroenLinks, on the other hand, mentions Ramadan precisely for his conviction that Islam and democracy can exist side by side without any problem. Minister Plasterk refused to react to all the rumors in the Lower House and said that he has nothing to do with the human resources policy pursued by Leiden University. (HOP)