Minister Micky Adriaansens (Economic Affairs) acknowledges he spoke out of turn when he criticized an International Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative (IMVO) law. He apologizes and points out that the cabinet has not yet taken a position on the proposal, which, in addition to the signatures of PvdA, GroenLinks and SP, also includes those of the governing parties ChristenUnie and D66.
Adriaansens previously told RTL Nieuws that he was having difficulties with the bill. ‘What the Cabinet does not want is for our business community to fall behind competitors across the border and elsewhere in the EU. Furthermore, the cabinet does not want companies to be responsible for matters over which they have no influence, such as the manufacturing process at suppliers’, said Minister VVD.
His party comrade Liesje Schreinemacher, minister for foreign trade and development cooperation, was also critical of the law. RTL News concluded from this that the cabinet had instituted a lockdown. “It’s not fair,” Adriaansens said during a parliamentary debate on the economic climate. “We’re still talking.” According to the minister, it is up to the House of Representatives to examine the bill. “We will let the process take its course.”
‘super important’
In his defence, Adriaansens says the cabinet also wrote in the coalition agreement that it is “extremely important” for companies to consider the world around them when doing business across borders. It was also agreed that legislation to this effect should be introduced. “I think that clouded the situation.”
The Chamber reacts with raised eyebrows to the slip of the two VVD ministers. Member of Parliament Stieneke van der Graaf of ChristenUnie subtly points out that the right of initiative is “an important right” for parliament. “It is customary for the cabinet to adopt a sober attitude. After all, he is an adviser to the House of Representatives.’ Van der Graaf is pleased that Adriaansens has now clarified the matter. But GroenLink MP Suzanne Kröger calls it “a difficult story”.
Earlier in the debate, BBB chair Caroline van der Plas, herself a non-supporter of the ICSR bill, called it “completely ridiculous” that the cabinet would torpedo a House proposal. ‘I find it very unfortunate that it is seen as some kind of heroic act by the VVD. I will vote against that law, and the VVD could do the same here. This is a democratic decision.”
Source: BNR
Fernando Dowling is an author and political journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of the political landscape and a passion for analyzing the latest political trends and news.
