According to Hermans, lack of trust is the sum of several factors. ‘It took too long for us to find solutions to the major existing problems. But start by looking at yourself.’
These are bad grades, “everyone realizes that,” thinks political journalist Leendert Beekman. For example, Vera Bergkamp, Speaker of the House of Representatives, says trust is low while social problems are great. “It takes more to fix, it takes time,” she says. Kees van der Staaij, president of the SGP party, speaks of ‘sad data’ on a ‘persistent problem’.
Corona crisis
According to Beekman, confidence in politics was much higher during the corona crisis. A signal that decisiveness helps to regain confidence. During those press conferences it was explained in understandable language why certain things were done, people were included and this gave us confidence. Unfortunately, the trust that was there then has now been lost.’
“We have to use the time in front of us very efficiently and well,” says Hermans. “Confidence comes on foot and goes on horseback.” But something else is happening, thinks the party chairman (1981). ‘The politics of the eternal shall.’ According to Hermans, politicians “have their backs against the wall because things have been left hanging for too long. Consequently, a directive from Brussels or a court ruling obliges us to act. And then we really have no alternative.’
Responsibility
As far as it is concerned, the 150 members of the House of Representatives and the 75 members of the Senate should assume more responsibility. “It’s very easy to point fingers at others all the time,” says Hermans. ‘I am the group leader of the VVD, we are 34 MPs and we are part of a coalition. So it’s also my responsibility to implement those things that we agreed in the coalition agreement. In addition to all those things that come to us every day now.
By this, Hermans refers, among other things, to the nitrogen crisis, the energy crisis and the associated dependence on Russia. “I want us to be able to rebuild houses, build roads. I want our economy to grow.”
Litigation in the House
Last month, a report from Utrecht University showed that transgressive behavior is a persistent problem in the House of Representatives. The report speaks of a sick atmosphere in the Chamber. According to Hermans, this problem also plays a role in the decrease of trust. “People wonder if we’re working on it or if we’re just having a discussion with each other.”
And in the recently published annual report, the State Council also talks about the way of working in the House of Representatives. Beekman: ‘There they present two recommendations. You make choices, and when you make those choices, make sure you can explain. And you do too.’
A clear message, thinks Hermans. «For example in the field of climate. ‘We have agreed on a comprehensive package of measures. But what matters is that we now also apply that policy and that it is understandable for people and entrepreneurs. All energy and attention must now be focused on this”. The same applies to topics such as nitrogen, climate, asylum and (international) security. ‘All of these things require action at the same time.
In this regard, politics is in a quandary, covers Beekman. ‘On the one hand you want to get everyone involved, but on the other hand you also want to show resolve and persevere at some point. This is difficult.’