Nijpels is a strong critic of the government and the whole course of events surrounding the election, he looks forward to tonight’s exciting debate, although he doesn’t think the government will fall: “they are holding on”. Never mind that, according to Nijpels, there are actually four parties in the coalition that are fundamentally at odds with each other. “And the main question is: will we continue together and how long will we continue together?”
“Mark Rutte could act more firmly”
Nijpels finds it strange that the CDA, a party cut in half during the last elections, is demanding that the government change course. ‘The Cabinet has a coalition agreement and what you have to do is implement that coalition agreement. Those who suddenly don’t want it, as in this case the CDA, and then appeal to parliamentary elections, have the choice: either you implement it or leave the coalition”.
Fear
According to Nijpels, the debate is focused on nitrogen, while the cabinet was not judged on that dossier alone during the provincial elections. According to Nijpels, the electoral beating of Rutte IV is also due to the displeasure and dissatisfaction with the affair of subsidies, the housing shortage and Groningen. ‘About 20 per cent voted against this cabinet in protest, but 80 per cent are still in favour. So it is very strange that the party that loses the most, in this case the CDA, suddenly starts asking the government to adjust the rates, when there is no substantive reason for this. Yes, unless you’re just afraid of the voter.’
«I am very annoyed by people who do not respect the agreements. In this case it is the CDA’
Convulsive
Nijpels doesn’t think the government will fall tonight. “The ladies and gentlemen of the government parties have decided that they will not support all motions against the cabinet, so they are sticking together in the debate tonight. And they’re determined not to screw things up tonight anyway.” By which Nijpels is by no means saying that what the cabinet has shown can be defended.
Nijpels insists that the cabinet should simply start implementing the nitrogen policy. “What you just have to do is start executing. We will stick to 2030 and check every year whether we are up to the standard.’ Asked to what extent this is possible with a BBB that he strongly opposes, Nijpels says: “Mrs Van der Plas has a seat in the House of Representatives and this coalition has a majority.”
“Ms Van der Plas has a seat in the House of Representatives and this coalition has a majority”
Hence Nijpels’ irritation with the CDA, which evidently listens to the provincial electorate. «I am very annoyed by people who do not respect the agreements. In this case it is the CDA. That agreement in the coalition agreement was clear and you just have to stick to it. If you don’t want it, then you have to listen to what the other three want.” And if they want to fulfill the agreement, then according to Nijpels there is only one way for the CDA: to leave the cabinet.
“This toilet is screwing up”
Nijpels also sharply criticizes his fellow party member and political leader Mark Rutte. According to him, it should be “a little more robust”. He calls Rutte’s letter to the House of Representatives a document that will go down in political history as “one of the most remarkable documents.” What strikes Nijpels in particular is that they are waiting for the CDA to wait and see what will happen to the constituencies in the Provincial Council. “Of course it’s very strange.” According to Nijpels, the cabinet makes the laws and takes the initiative, “not the provinces”.
Listen to the full conversation with Ed Nijpels here