On March 15, Dutch voters went to the polls to elect the Members of the Provincial Council and Water Authorities.
Today, AmCham hosted a webinar with Peter van Keulen from Public Matters, who shared first reflections on the outcome with a look ahead to the coming weeks and months, and potential consequences for business.
Based on the the preliminary results, the outcome of the Elections was a true 'earth quake' according to Peter. The BBB or 'BoerBurgerBeweging' ('Farmer–Citizen Movement'), led by Caroline van der Plas, emerged as the clear winner of the elections and is on track to be the biggest party in the Senate. The elections strongly take on the character of ‘mid-terms’ for the Rutte-IV government, with coalition parties bracing themselves for the election outcome’s impact on the government's future. Policy priorities that have strongly influenced the outcome include: nitrogen reduction, natural gas, housing, regional transportation, airports and human capital.
Peter van Keulen remarked that even in this complex political landscape collaborative engagement can be sought.
AmCham The Netherlands cordially thanks Peter van Keulen for his valuable insights and analysis this afternoon.
