D66‘s Jetten & CDA’s Bontenbal Aim for “Surprising Agenda” as Formation Talks Enter Second week
The initial week of formation talks between D66 leader Rob Jetten and CDA leader Henri Bontenbal has concluded with the pair focused on drafting a foundational document outlining potential solutions to key issues, with a target completion date of two weeks.Jetten expressed a desire for the document to move beyond discussion and facilitate ”decisions” regarding major challenges facing the Netherlands.
This collaborative effort comes amid ongoing political uncertainty following recent elections, and represents an attempt to proactively shape the agenda for a new governing coalition. The success of this initiative could significantly influence the direction of Dutch policy, potentially streamlining negotiations with othre parties and accelerating the formation of a new cabinet – a process currently without a firm timeline.
Bontenbal and Jetten are scheduled to begin exploratory conversations with other political parties next week, though these meetings are being characterized as preliminary discussions rather than formal negotiations.Former CDA leader Wouter Buma described the upcoming talks as an prospect to “feel out” the positions of other parties and identify potential areas for collaboration.
A potential hurdle lies in the possibility of the joint document being perceived as a pre-agreement between D66 and CDA, potentially discouraging participation from other key players like the VVD, GroenLinks-PvdA, and JA21.Concerns exist that these parties may be reluctant to endorse a pre-defined framework.
Jetten acknowledged that formal negotiations will resume after December 9th, but voiced hope that the “surprising agenda” they are developing will garner broad support. The pair will address budgetary considerations and funding mechanisms for proposed solutions during a meeting on Monday, followed by further expert consultations and continued drafting on Tuesday. Despite the progress,a definitive timeline for the formation of a new government remains elusive.