Dutch parties D66, CDA push for clearer fiscal rules amid intense coalition negotiations

ISTANBUL

Dutch parties D66 and the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) focused Monday on finances, socio-economic policy and the business climate as coalition formation talks entered a new round under informateur Sybrand Buma.

D66 leader Rob Jetten and CDA leader Henri Bontenbal said they were seeking clarity on budget rules and long-term investment priorities before arriving at a joint policy framework, the national news broadcaster NOS reported.

The two parties, currently negotiating without additional partners, expect to finalize a first draft of their coalition document within two weeks.

Ahead of the talks, Jetten said the country needed a stronger investment climate but also answers on how to “foot the bill” for major spending commitments.

Bontenbal added that the current Dutch budgeting system fails to distinguish adequately between consumption and investment, arguing that structural investments should not be treated in the same way as day-to-day expenditures.

“You lose one, and you gain from the other. So you really want to make a distinction,” he said, suggesting the next government should consider revising fiscal rules to better reflect long-term economic priorities.

Negotiators were joined Monday by several senior figures, including Laura van Geest, chair of the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM); Kim Putters, head of the Social and Economic Council (SER); Ingrid Thijssen, president of employers’ organization VNO-NCW; and Dick Koerselman of trade union FNV.

Their input is expected to feed into a draft coalition text that Jetten and Bontenbal hope to present soon. While other parties have not yet joined the talks, D66 said they may enter negotiations later this week.

Informateur Buma also held an introductory meeting with the newly elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, VVD lawmaker Thom van Campen, who last week succeeded Martin Bosma of the PVV.

Following the expert consultations, D66 and CDA delegations were set to continue negotiations late into the evening to outline their governing program.

Last week’s talks covered the economy, nitrogen reduction policy, asylum and migration, and climate, areas expected to feature prominently in the upcoming coalition blueprint.