Kaag just said that she prefers substantive negotiations for a new cabinet over new elections, because society has a right to them. No one benefits from new elections, she said.
‘It has to be different’
D66 is therefore prepared to continue the coalition of the past four years, but not the policy, Kaag made clear. According to her, it should be ‘more progressive, more generous, more open and more humane.’
At the beginning of the afternoon, the three parties meet again with informateur Johan Remkes. VVD and CDA have always indicated that they would like to continue with the ChristenUnie. D66 saw that differently for months, but announced on Sunday that it was prepared to lift the blockade. In the near future, substantive discussions will be held, Remkes will probably remain as an informant.
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Comments
Jesse Klaver says in a reaction to the formation developments: “This cabinet has not solved the housing crisis, climate crisis and inequality. Why would that be different with a continuation of this coalition? What the Netherlands needs is change. This is more of the same. “
PVV leader Wilders says on Twitter: “Kaag spits right in the face of the voter. To ‘not play into the hands of populists’. Read: not to be punished.”
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Frits Wester: ‘A great U-turn from D66’
After more than half a year of squabbles, D66 has really taken the turn and wants to talk and negotiate seriously about the continuation of the current coalition with the ChristenUnie. That is a huge political u-turn, says Frits Wester.
D66 therefore has a lot to explain to its own supporters, says Wester. “Taking responsibility and the national interest are now the keywords used by Kaag to defend her step. And of course the progressive stamp that the party understandably wants to put on the new coalition agreement.”
D66 will ask a price for lifting the blockade towards the ChristenUnie. In addition, the ChristenUnie, after being insulted for half a year and being relegated to the wings, will also want to sell its skin dearly. They know they are needed and that the party now holds the key to preventing new elections.
According to Wester, these will still be tough and exciting negotiations, which will inevitably lead to a bang every now and then. “But the parties are convinced of the urgency to find a solution. In itself it should be ready within the foreseeable future, but certainly again within weeks. However, there are never any guarantees.”
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