In recent days, the Netherlands has been locked down in the evenings, although there has been strong opposition to this arrangement in several cities. The reactions of the political parties differ greatly. Without exception, each party condemns the riots, but the conclusions drawn from them differ. For example, the FVD advocates the abolition of the curfew and thus more freedom for citizens. GroenLinks blames the PVV for inciting this violence in Urk by stating that they will do everything they can to ensure that the curfew is not enforced. The PVV hits back by saying that the 'fur collar friends of Jesse Klaver' [1] had to leave the Schilderswijk in The Hague, where riots were also taking place at that time. The Party of the Animals points to the collapse of a police horse during the riots, after which they argue for an end to the use of mounted police during riots and demonstrations.
In addition to all corona measures-related problems, the political parties are also busy with the fall of the Rutte III Cabinet and the benefits affair. Outgoing Prime Minister Rutte acknowledges his responsibility in this matter, but believes he can continue anyway.
Of course, a lot of things happen around politics in the run-up to the elections. Every week, Sybrig van Keep briefly describes these developments: think of insights, highlighted events or interesting passages from party programs. In this way we would like to keep you informed of the latest news and interesting developments!
Declared controversial
The fall of the cabinet also slowly brings the debates in the House of Representatives to a standstill, a few weeks before the election recess would start. In the coming days, the various committees will decide which topics will be declared controversial and will therefore only be dealt with by the new cabinet. Each standing committee of the House of Representatives draws up such a list. Any Member of Parliament can indicate at a special procedural meeting of the committee that a subject should be declared controversial. These lists are combined and discussed in the House of Representatives. There, a subject must have a majority in the House of Representatives to ultimately be declared controversial.
The lists of the various topics that may be declared controversial can be found on the following websites: Standing committee for Finance. Standing committee for EZK, Standing Committee for Health, Welfare and Sport, Standing committee for SZW, Standing committee for OCW, Standing committee for LNV, Standing Committee for Justice and Security, Standing committee for Infrastructure and Water Management, Standing Committee on Home Affairs“Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Election programs
Below are brief summaries of the election manifestos of the political parties. We have chosen to feature approximately three parties in each newsletter, so that the information density can be prevented from being too high and the most important parties are still discussed before the elections take place. This newsletter discusses the VVD, CDA and D66.
VVD
The VVD has stated in its election manifesto that it wants to stimulate economic growth, not to make cuts. With this, the party wants to strengthen the position of middle incomes in society and put small and medium-sized businesses at the center. The party wants to increase the minimum wage and make working and doing business more attractive. Healthcare must remain affordable and the VVD wants to correct excessive market forces and bureaucracy. The party is committed to affordable housing for buyers and tenants, wants to stimulate housing construction and increase accessibility.
CDA
The CDA looks ahead, after the corona pandemic with the title 'care for each other'. The party is committed to recovering the economy and job market. The CDA also wants to build a million new houses. They want to protect society by tackling crime firmly and by getting a grip on migration. The party also wants to strengthen the region and relieve the burden on cities by moving from shrinking areas to growth regions.
D66
The D66 wants to invest in a rich school day for every child, by offering better education, more sports and art and culture. The climate goals must be achieved and we must go even further. The party is also committed to reducing health inequality, increasing job security, building a million new homes and a stronger government. The D66 also wants to invest in the rule of law and wants the Netherlands to play a pioneering role in Europe.
Polls: what are the latest updates?
In the orange bar you can see the latest polls (January 26, 2021). The blue bar shows the current distribution of seats in the House of Representatives. PVV, VVD have lost some seats compared to the previous polls. D66, PvdA, CDA have a few more.
Source: Frontbencher.nl – Ipsos/EenVandaag
Wopke Hoekstra
(#1 CDA Candidate List)
Born: Bennekom, September 30, 1975
residence: Bussum
Course: Law, Leiden University
Masters in Business Administration, INSEAD
Functions: Supervisory Board of the Maritime Museum, Columnist CDA.nl (2011-2017), Program leader national election program (2016-2017), Minister of Finance (2017-present)
Laura Bromet
(#3 Candidate List GroenLinks)
Born: Purmerend, January 17, 1970
residence: Monnickendam
Course: Dutch Language and Literature, University of Amsterdam
Cultural Studies, University of Amsterdam
Functions: Policy Officer for Agriculture, Nature, Environment and Spatial Planning Groen Links (2010-2013), Alderman of the Municipality of Waterland, (2014-2018) Member of Parliament GroenLinks (2018-present)
Gidi Markuszower
(# Candidate List PVV)
Born: Tel Aviv, October 27, 1977
residence: Amstelveen
Course: International Relations, Hebrew University and Dutch law (Private and International), University of Amsterdam
Functions: Real estate manager Emmes Holding (2003-2005), Political advisor (2005-2006), Member of the Senate 2015-2017, Member of the House of Representatives since 2017
Mirjam Bikker
(#3 Christian Union Candidate List)
Born: Gouda, September 8, 1982
Residence: Gouda
Course: Dutch law, Utrecht University
Functions: Policy officer of the Christian Union faction of the House of Representatives of the States General from 2008 to 2010, Policy officer of the Christian Union faction of the House of Representatives of the States General from 2013 to 2015, Member of the Senate of the States General from 2016
January 26: Digital election debate focusing on the Climate Agreement. The sustainability of industry, economy and employment is also discussed.
February 1: One of the first major election debates about the future of Dutch agriculture and its costs and benefits.
February 1: Each political party must submit the list of candidates (and other documents).
February 4: Election debate on healthcare, mainly in the northern region. Topics such as care, prevention and regional cooperation will be discussed.
February 5: Election debate about the future of the climate and the political choices associated with it.
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