Analysis Politics
Sudden cabinet fall brings respite for agriculture
The fall of the Rutte IV cabinet was long expected, but has suddenly arrived. And then because of an action by the prime minister himself. Van Rutte, who has recently been accused by many sides of the fact that continuing to rule came before everything else. For agriculture it means respite on many points.
In practical terms, this means that much of the policy that has been deployed cannot go any further now. Policies that have already been approved will continue, such as the purchase of peak loaders. Maybe even in a weakened form. Because how, for example, does a wing-lame cabinet call unwilling provinces to order?
Agricultural agreement legislation later
Agriculture minister Adema and colleague Christianne Van der Wal will therefore also have to be patient with legislation that would regulate what was not achieved due to a failed agricultural agreement. Perhaps others will have to consider how to proceed after new elections. It is also more difficult for the government to press ahead on many other points, especially with regard to nitrogen and climate policy and anti-zoonosis policy aimed at animal husbandry.
It will have to wait until after new elections, which the Electoral Council expects to take place no earlier than mid-November. And then until after the arrival of a new cabinet. What can still be done in the meantime also depends strongly on whether, for example, a rump cabinet will go further and which subjects the House of Representatives will declare controversial.
Brussels
From Brussels, the European Commission will also look at the fall of the cabinet with regret, because now people will have to wait even longer for new, sustainable legislation for climate, nature, water and fertilizer policy. Such a policy does not necessarily have to be stricter for farmers. Dutch politicians themselves can often make a lot of adjustments in this regard, depending on political wishes. It must be a policy that is clearly established and that meets the guidelines as explained in Brussels.
Many questions
In the coming weeks and months, the parties will sharpen their knives for a new round of elections. The BoerBurgerBeweging undoubtedly smells blood and is eager to repeat the trick, which succeeded during the Senate elections in March. The question arises whether Mark Rutte will continue as a leader of the VVD. And what will Pieter Omtzigt do; will he join the BBB, or will he go for his own success? These are questions that hang over the political market and that will become clear sooner or later.
Klaas van der Horst
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