The fall of the government causes great uncertainty in municipalities, also in Drenthe. Mayor of Emmen and secretary of the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG), Eric van Oosterhout, points to the risks for important files such as asylum reception, housing and youth care. “It is exciting what goes on and what stays on.”
Van Oosterhout was in the lecture meeting at the time of the news. “It cut in for a while,” he says. “Not unexpected, but you immediately think: what does this mean?” The apps came in around noon, from the VNG and other drivers. Because although the cabinet stays out on the out of it, the question is what plans take place and which disappear in the drawer. Politically sensitive topics will remain for the time being if they are declared controversial.
It is precisely those sensitive themes that immediately touch Drenthe, says Van Oosterhout. “Think of Ter Apel and Nieuw-Weerdinge.” The Spreading Act seems to continue to exist for the time being, but that offers no guarantees. “The money for the reception in Nieuw-Weerdinge is ready. That can’t wait until after the elections.” Yet it remains exciting or commitments, especially now that a new minister is coming. “We just need that extra money very much.”
Another uncertain file is the financial position of municipalities. In the Spring Memorandum, the government released three billion euros, primarily intended for youth care. But the question is whether that amount will remain intact. “There are two things in loose screws,” says Van Oosterhout. “That amount itself, and the follow -up process. In August we would talk about additional resources. I still have to see if that conversation will be started.”
The VNG does not leave it at it. In two weeks there will be a congress in Eindhoven, where the municipalities want to put pressure on the outgoing cabinet. “We will hit the drum firmly,” says Van Oosterhout. Municipalities want clarity and continuity, because the worries are great. “Our residents should not be the victim of political standstill.”
Van Oosterhout is less concerned about the practical side of new elections. “We can handle that,” he says. There is money available for the organization, and otherwise the VNG will take the negotiations. Yet according to him it remains a challenge. “National elections in the autumn, immediately followed by local, that is complicated. And the result of one can influence the other election.”
Not only Van Oosterhout reacts worried. There is also disappointment about the cabinet trap in the provincial government office in Assen. “Now files remain that should have been solved yesterday, such as housing and nitrogen,” said King Jetta Klijnsma Commissioner yesterday.
She fears that a minority cabinet or trunk cabinet will not break the impasse. Yet she is confident that in any case the Spreading Act will remain intact. “If there are municipalities after 1 July that do not cooperate in the Spreading Act, I expect those municipalities to be ticked.”