While the House of Representatives is debating the continuation of the cabinet formation, civil society organizations are strongly criticizing its slow progress. “Please parliament, hurry up,” says Jan van Zanen, chairman of the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG).
He and the chairmen of Aedes (housing corporations) and VNO-NCW (employers) emphasize that there are major issues “that cannot wait”. VNO-NCW chairman Ingrid Thijssen argues “if necessary” for an extra-parliamentary cabinet, without a coalition agreement and with ministers from many different parties.
‘Money is not a problem’
All three say to news hour to be surprised that the formation lasts so long. Thijssen: “In terms of content, we all know what needs to be done. Money isn’t really the problem either. How come they can’t figure it out and can’t form a cabinet?”
Martin van Rijn, chairman of Aedes, also emphasizes that there is considerable agreement in politics on many subjects. For example, 34 organizations in the field of housing made a action plan to build more than 100,000 houses each year. “That seems to generate political consensus. You could introduce it tomorrow, but you just can’t do that. And that annoys me immensely.”
Thijssen also sees this annoyance among entrepreneurs. “The entire policy machine is now at a standstill, while we cannot wait. Nitrogen is a good example of this. It is an issue that stops all infrastructure projects, housing construction is waiting for it. That can no longer be.”
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The outgoing cabinet is making plans for next year, but long-term, structural agreements are needed for the major files, says Van Zanen. “When it comes to recovery of the economy, youth care, the enormous tasks in housing, climate and the energy transition; 352 municipalities would like to make structural agreements with a new, fresh and fresh cabinet.”
Van Rijn, who was Minister for Medical Care for a number of months last year, thinks that it is precisely because of such great challenges that parties will eventually find each other. “You have to find compromises. I can’t imagine that it can’t come to good coalition formation.”
In recent months, the formation was “unfortunately” still too much about “who with whom”, says Van Rijn. “Decisions just have to be made. Write down what problems we have to solve, then everyone will not only be shocked by that, but will be convinced that it has to be done quickly. I think the old expression ‘jump over your shadow’ is back again. should be taken out of the closet.”
Cabinet with ‘experienced people’
Thijssen hopes that the new informateur will focus on a minority cabinet or an extra-parliamentary cabinet, with “experienced people” as ministers. “I think that second option has the greatest chance of stability and that is better from a business perspective.”
Van Rijn thinks there could be a cabinet within a month. “It must.” Van Zanen hopes for this year. “Pace please! Municipalities desperately need you. Residents are not outgoing.”
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