VVD and CDA defend opposition to nitrogen policy of their own provincial factions

The “nitrogen resistance” is evident from a NOS analysis of the electoral compass for the Provincial Council elections. Other parties are unhappy with the parties’ attitude and suspect a campaign stunt.

“Tension between and within parties”

Political journalist Fons Lambie sees the tension in such a nitrogen debate due to the upcoming March 15 election. “You can see the tension between the four parties in government. D66 wants speed in nitrogen politics and the other three parties (CDA, VVD, CU) don’t want it.”

But there is also this tension internally to the VVD and the CDA. Lambie: “The provincial departments of these parties say: We will oppose the national policy. These departments feel the hot breath of parties like BBB.”

The provinces may soon have a majority of parties that do not want to support The Hague’s nitrogen policy. Lambie: “You can already hear concerns here at the top of the cabinet. Will this cause a delay? Or will The Hague enforce it? The attitude of the new provincial councils will determine nitrogen policy. “

VVD MP Thom van Campen finds it “logical and understandable” that five provincial factions of his party say they want to oppose cabinet policy on nitrogen in order to protect farmers. “You can only say yes to the nitrogen policy when it’s over.”

CDA member Derk Boswijk also understands the resistance of provincial factions. “They’re getting all kinds of regulations from The Hague thrown over the fence, but they don’t have the tools to really achieve the goals.” However, Van Campen and Boswijk say they want a solution to the nitrogen crisis.

Van Campen’s party colleague, Christianne van der Wal, is responsible for this policy as minister. Boswijk says he is “disappointed” that the “compass eliminates all nuance through a single statement.”

Tjeerd de Groot of the D66 coalition party was unhappy with this explanation in a nitrogen debate. “It is really about resistance against the national nitrogen policy! Against the national ministers of the VVD!” He wants to know from Van Campen: “Are you going to cancel them here?” Other parts are also critical. “What is real VVD now?” asks Alexander Kops, member of the PVV.

Election rhetoric

“Or, which is also possible, is it just election rhetoric?” PvdA MP Joris Thijssen thinks the same. “I think it’s clear that it’s on display here that this is an election stunt.” According to the social democrat of the VVD, it is “irresponsible”.

Next month, the Dutch will go to the polls to elect the new Provincial Council. These elections are largely about nitrogen politics. The provinces are the main implementers of the nitrogen plans.