“The state made $400 billion from gas extraction,” Beckerman says. “And the people of Groningen fell into deep misery. Then this is too little.’ He points out that not only was it part of the money previously shelved, but the plans aren’t new at all. More action is needed to restore trust. “You won’t make it with this.”
‘Best regards’
PvdA member Henk Nijboer calls State Secretary Hans Vijlbrief (Miniere) “sincere” and thinks he is striking “the right tone”. The Social Democrat is silent about the actions of Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who approved the conclusions of the parliamentary inquiry committee on behalf of Garmerwolde’s cabinet in Groningen and apologized again.
Nijboer has many questions and concerns about the package of measures. Claims of up to €40,000 are handled more smoothly, while the biggest problems, she says, occur with the bigger claims. Even the investment plans in quality of life and sustainability do not convince Nijboer. “It’s a bit of a bag of small projects without a clear vision.”
Damage repair
GroenLinks leader Jesse Klaver thinks it is up to the people of Groningen to judge whether the cabinet is doing enough to pay off the “debt of honour”. He thinks it is “wrong” for the Cabinet to add money for claims settlement to the total amount. You are entitled to compensation for damages. You shouldn’t put an amount on this, you should do what’s needed, as long as it’s needed.’
The Groningen package can count on the approval of the governing party VVD. MP Daniel Koerhuis is satisfied with the planned investments in the new asphalt, which he says will be beneficial for employment in seaports. “We have to give Groningen the space to continue providing those jobs.”
“Bureaucratic Hell”
His party colleague Jeroen van Wijngaarden points out that no amount of money can take away the “bureaucratic hell” that the government has caused in Groningen. “This government response is a serious attempt to put an end to that hell and to give Groningen a perspective.”
CDA member Henri Bontenbal calls the cabinet’s apology “a first step in restoring confidence in politics and government.” The CDA will keep the cabinet on its promises, he assures.