CDA committee takes a hard line on party culture in Limburg

In some places, the CDA Limburg believes that everything is allowed that is not expressly prohibited by law. Drivers find it normal for them to stack different functions on top of each other. That is one of the conclusions of the Kaiser Committee, which conducted research on behalf of CDA-Limburg. One of the recommendations is that CDA members in Limburg should learn to contradict each other.

Reason for the report Integrity through identity is an affair this spring that led to the departure of two CDA deputies and a CDA mayor. They were accused of a conflict of interest in the management of the Limburg landscape. The governor of Limburg resigned after a breach of trust.

Following the affair, the committee led by former CDA mayor Herman Kaiser spoke with more than fifty Limburg CDA members. The conclusion is that there is (too) little direction within CDA Limburg and there are too many islands, reports 1Limburg. “There is more talk of separate groups than of a well-oiled, cohesive whole.”

Long past tense

On the islands, CDA directors often have a mix of functions. In wedding says committee chairman Kaiser: “We thought that such an attitude is long gone. When you hold a public position, you live in a glass house and you must always avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.” He emphasizes that a councilor or member of parliament should distinguish himself by concentrating on his or her public office, not by the stacking of functions.

The committee also notes that there is a culture of not wanting or daring to contradict each other. This applies not only to the party but also to the tense handling of criticism in the press. Some people have the notion “they have to have us”, the other sees the publications in the media more as ‘signals’ and ‘learning moments’.

Learn to contradict

The Kaiser committee comes up with a series of recommendations on how things can be improved. The CDA must take a critical look at dual functions. In addition, confidential counselors must be set up to whom every CDA member in Limburg can turn with questions or comments about integrity. Continuous training must also be provided.

The Kaiser committee also advocates setting up networks, where Limburgers “learn” to contradict each other and keep them sharp.

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