Ankara: Dutch political parties D66 and the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) concentrated on financial, socio-economic, and business climate policies as they engaged in coalition formation talks under the guidance of informateur Sybrand Buma.
According to Anadolu Agency, D66 leader Rob Jetten and CDA leader Henri Bontenbal emphasized the need for clarity on budget rules and long-term investment priorities before establishing a joint policy framework. The national news broadcaster NOS reported that the two parties, currently negotiating without additional partners, aim to finalize a draft of their coalition document within two weeks.
Ahead of the discussions, Jetten stressed the importance of enhancing the country's investment climate while also determining funding strategies for major spending commitments. Bontenbal highlighted the inadequacies of the current Dutch budgeting system in distinguishing between consumption and investment, arguing for a revision of fiscal rules to better align with long-term economic priorities.
On Monday, the negotiations included input from senior figures such as Laura van Geest, chair of the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM); Kim Putters, head of the Social and Economic Council (SER); Ingrid Thijssen, president of employers' organization VNO-NCW; and Dick Koerselman of trade union FNV. Their insights are expected to contribute to a draft coalition text that Jetten and Bontenbal hope to present shortly. While other parties have not yet joined the talks, D66 indicated potential negotiations later this week.
Informateur Buma also conducted an introductory meeting with Thom van Campen, the newly elected Speaker of the House of Representatives and VVD lawmaker, who succeeded Martin Bosma of the PVV last week.
Following expert consultations, the D66 and CDA delegations planned to continue negotiations into the evening to outline their governing program. Last week's discussions focused on the economy, nitrogen reduction policy, asylum and migration, and climate-issues anticipated to be central to the forthcoming coalition blueprint.