According to political journalist Sophie van Leeuwen, a difficult debate awaits Adema. “It’s going to be a great show.” The opposition is angry and, according to Van Leeuwen, the growing annoyance with the slowness of the cabinet is also being felt in the provinces.
The debate on the National Rural Area Program should last all day. “Expect fireworks towards Adema and also towards Minister van de Wal, who is there for the nitrogen and of course nature,” says Van Leeuwen.
“Even the provinces are losing patience.”
For example, it is not clear on what basis the deadline was set. Furthermore, there are still elections for the Provincial Council on March 15th. ‘The deadline is approaching very quickly, says Van Leeuwen. “It’s only been four months.” Piet Adema hopes the agriculture deal will be finalized in April. “But even then it’s quite tight.”
slow motion
And plans are already underway to tackle nitrogen emissions. Discussions are ongoing about buying farmers, improving water quality and restoring nature. “This areal-oriented approach is already underway in the background, but they’re waiting for a slow-motion toilet,” says Van Leeuwen.
According to Adema, however, there is enough time, he tells BNR. The minister also understands that we need to hurry. ‘But we also have to go through a careful process. We are sitting around the table with 50 parties.’ According to Adema, it should be possible to finalize the agricultural agreement in April.
“If we can do that, it will be an important result. The provinces must present the area plans by 1 July, in order to then be able to include the results of the agricultural agreement in their area plans,’ said the minister. ‘Don’t worry.’ But this is no longer believed in the House of Representatives.