The fact that the last cabinet formation took so long is embarrassing and bad for citizens’ confidence in politics. That is why it is good to thoroughly evaluate the entire process, said Chamber President Vera Bergkamp in WNL on Sunday.
“Netflix is boring compared to this formation,” Bergkamp said, referring to all the incidents that have occurred in recent months, such as the leaking of statements by Rutte about MP Omtzigt and the debate that followed.
According to her, the longest formation in history was “very special” and not worth repeating. She regrets that, in the meantime, tackling important issues such as the allowance scandal and gas extraction in Groningen has come to a standstill.
‘Hurry up a bit’
That is why a thorough evaluation is in order, according to Bergkamp. She also wants to look at the information provided to the House, which orders a cabinet formation.
“I made it clear several times: hurry up. But then I got a general note back from the informants.” She did not approve of sources around the negotiating parties then saying more to the press than what the House heard.
The President of the House would prefer to make an agreement that parliament will be informed “at regular intervals” about the progress of the formation. “I think it would be good to see how we can secure that better.”
King
Intended Prime Minister Mark Rutte said late last year that it may have been a mistake to take the king out of the formation process. Bergkamp does not agree with him. “There is nothing wrong with dreaming about the past, but the direction is now with the Chamber. Moreover, there was so much going on, I don’t think the king would have changed that.”
Nevertheless, the President of the House wants to see whether it is wise to have an “independent process supervisor” take a look at a formation. “That might make sense.”
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