Background Nitrogen Mood
Nitrogen peekaboo game to break deadlock
The statements by CDA leader Wopke Hoekstra in an interview in the AD about not canonizing 2030 in order to achieve the nitrogen targets did not lead to a major argument in the coalition this week. The opposition parties in the House of Representatives tried to stoke the fire last Tuesday, but Prime Minister Rutte was tolerant. It also helped that D66 leader Sigrid Kaag was absent that day. She could not explain her lack of confidence in Hoekstra. Peace now seems to have been restored. In our weekly Nitrogen Mood section, we give an impression of the nitrogen crisis in our own way.
And rest is said to be there. The agricultural sector still does not officially consult with nitrogen discussion leader Johan Remkes and the cabinet. A second meeting with the agricultural organizations only takes place after a guidance from the cabinet.
Yet there is talk. However, this happens out of sight. Foreman of Agractie Bart Kemp said a few weeks ago that he maintains a direct line with the Prime Minister. That line still seems warm. Kemp reported to Op1 last Friday that Remkes had called him that day.
Options against each other
It is also known that Henk Bleker, chairman of the Dutch Dairy Farmers' Union (NMV) and former State Secretary, and a few others this week consulted with Remkes and a delegation from the cabinet. There, options have been held together to get out of the deadlock. Talking again next week. LTO Nederland is also aware of this. On previous occasions, the Dutch Dairy Organization (NZO) sometimes wanted to sit down with the cabinet, but now the doors remain closed from there. FrieslandCampina is remarkably quiet. Others are also silent, although there are parties who are happy to join again. So the ranks remain closed. Agractie has not officially announced anything either.
chefsache
In this way Remkes is trying to officially get the parties back to the table and the agricultural organizations to discover how much space there is now. Within the cabinet, they are clearly no longer completely on the same page, was Tuesday during the debate about Hoekstra .'s interview confirmed in the AD. It is striking that nothing is heard about the involvement of the ministers on agriculture in the nitrogen talks. Apparently it's 'Chefsache'.
Not giving in on the key points is the motto of the agricultural organizations. First, the cabinet must move. It will be exciting for agriculture. There doesn't seem to be anyone getting everyone behind them now. The organizations are divided and their leaders sometimes insufficiently accepted by large groups of farmers.
Tractor groups also disagree
A series of so-called trigger groups, which should represent a broad base of angry farmers, also disagree among themselves. There is also, to say the least, division and confusion about the content of the package of requirements. The nitrogen dossier is also very complex. Everyone will have to add water to the wine and then it is also giving confidence to a foreman or woman. Given the situation, people regularly think of Aalt Dijkhuizen, who led the farmers' front last year. But will he want it, and if not, who will?
Klaas van der Horst
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