Political Blogs: Coalition agreements NH & FL

By Sandro Nendissa (board member Politics)

Just before the recess, the provinces of Flevoland (16 June) and North Holland (6 July) presented their coalition agreements. Much has happened in political The Hague since then. The cabinet fell (7 July) and Mark Rutte announced his departure from politics (10 July). Since then, the political landscape has looked completely different. Now that the wind has died down slightly, we thought it would be a good idea to share our thoughts on the coalition agreements anyway.

Coalition agreement North Holland

A reasonably balanced coalition has emerged in North Holland. The BBB, VVD, GroenLinks and the PvdA have come to an agreement for the next four years. Although GL and the Labour Party are in the minority, it is a good sign that the parties are holding each other together. There are many different issues on which they have come to an agreement, but a few issues are most notable for us as a local DWARS branch.

Sustainability

The VVD and to a lesser extent the BBB have had to concede when it comes to the placement of wind turbines on land and near municipal borders, which remains possible under certain conditions.

At the same time, GroenLinks and the Labour Party have also compromised, particularly where Tata Steel is concerned. While GroenLinks initially wanted the most polluting parts to be closed immediately, the agreements now state that this should happen ‘as soon as possible’, but no later than 2029. In addition, the province is open to discussions on a revamped Tata Steel that contributes to a better living environment. In the long term, according to the provincial government, there is no more room for polluting industry in North Holland.

Social

Unfortunately, the issues around Tata Steel are not the only thing where the left-wing collaboration has had to hold water. They also failed to get the number of social housing units for new construction to 40% and had to settle for 30%.

Diversity

Emphasis is placed on involving citizens' councils, panels and other forms of co-creation. There is also a focus on promoting inclusion and diversity, including cultural aspects. These are good things as North Holland is one of the most diverse provinces.

Conclusion

All in all, there are many interfaces with DWARS. Still, we will remain strict and pay attention to policy implementation. There are still some snags, but we have faith in the Left.

Coalition agreement Flevoland

In Flevoland, progressive parties will have to make their voices heard from the opposition. New progressive progress will unfortunately have to wait a while longer during a coalition between the BBB, VVD, PVV, ChristenUnie and SGP. Still, there are some points here and there that we agree with.

Sustainability

Like the coalition parties, we too welcome the Lely Line. Although investment is being made in public transport, car traffic still plays an important role. However, research into a car tunnel and widening the N50 are viewed negatively.

The parties oppose the forced expropriation of farmers and the reduction of livestock, which they consider ridiculous. They will also work to promote fisheries at both national and European levels. Moreover, their goal is not to remain the most sustainable province in the Netherlands.

Social

Plans to build 100,000 homes are a positive sign. This eases the pressure for the coming years, as the province expects to have a population of 700,000 by 2050.

In terms of money matters, the focus is mainly on local entrepreneurship. It is good that attention is paid to the entrepreneurs in Flevoland province, but it is unfortunate that people on small grants or without access to certain social services are not named.

Diversity

When it comes to asylum seekers, the focus is mainly on the other provinces and municipalities outside Flevoland. As far as we are concerned, this is a way of looking away and placing responsibility on others instead of serving as an example ourselves.

Furthermore, there are almost no plans for diversity, inclusion or other ways to make people feel involved in the province. This is a missed opportunity. As a young province, Flevoland should focus on the future; after all, this is how the province itself was created.

Conclusion

There are many things that we as a local DWARS division do not agree with, even though there are some things that we do think are positive, such as the construction of new housing. Although the province sees the problems of the future, the agreement is not very groundbreaking. It is a missed opportunity not to see the greenest and youngest municipality in the Netherlands as a pioneer of the future.