Informants Johan Remkes and Wouter Koolmees cannot give an indication at the moment when the formation can be completed. “Our expectation is that the negotiations will be well advanced within a few weeks,” they write in a letter to the House of Representatives on Thursday, where dissatisfaction is growing about the now longest-running formation ever. At the beginning of November, Speaker of the House of Representatives Vera Bergkamp insisted on a faster pace in view of the longer than usual formation time.
According to Remkes and Koolmees, the most important subjects have now been “discussed one or more times” in the negotiations between the factions of the VVD, D66, CDA and ChristenUnie. No agreement has yet been reached on the so-called sub-topics, on which party specialists participate. However, according to the two, ‘in each case progress is made in conjunction’ by gathering substantive information from, among others, representatives of implementing organisations. According to the informants, therefore, “undeniable progress” has been made in the negotiations, although “given the uncertainties involved in such a process, it cannot be captured in a calendar” because of possible adverse consequences.
In the letter to parliament, the informants also discuss the formation discussions that were held earlier this month in Groningen. There, party leaders Mark Rutte (VVD), Sigrid Kaag (D66), Wopke Hoekstra (CDA) and Gert-Jan Segers (ChristenUnie) spoke before entering into negotiations with victims of the earthquakes in the region, and with administrators and representatives of social organizations. “These meetings have made an important contribution to the progress of the cabinet formation”, the letter states, in which Remkes and Koolmees further ask Chamber President Bergkamp to take into account the importance of the progress of the cabinet when planning debates and other activities. formation”.
Formation negotiations will continue at the De Zwaluwenberg estate in Hilversum from 17 to 19 November. The informants say they will inform the House again the following week.
This article is also part of our live blog: Party leaders meet Groningen victims for formation talks
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