The GOB and CDA form the backbone of the new coalition in Sittard-Geleen. This became apparent on Thursday evening during the presentation of the informative discussions by the BRPS scouts.
GOB was the big winner of the municipal elections in Sittard-Geleen, in which the party rose from 9 to 12 seats. Based on this result, the BRPS decided to enter into discussions with other parties in the municipal council with three representatives.
CDA and GOB
The report of party leader Yvonne Salvino, founder Pieter Meekels and alderman Leon Geilen was shared with the new city council on Thursday evening. The trio concluded that the cooperation between the largest parties GOB and CDA during the past term of office “has been constructive and has been experienced as very pleasant”.
Remarkable
That is a striking observation. In the recent past, both sides have regularly closed out each other, with personal feuds often playing a key role. With the departure of Noël Lebens and Pieter Meekels from municipal politics, the largest parties appear to want to form the backbone of a new coalition.
Negotiating position
GOB and CDA together occupy 19 of the 37 seats in Sittard-Geleen. Although the aim is “for a coalition of at least 21 seats”, the two largest parties together have a minimal majority. This limits the negotiating position of potential coalition partners.
GroenLinks and PvdA together
GroenLinks and PvdA, both winners in the recent elections, previously decided to function as one faction. Since that decision “has not yet been confirmed by the members’ meeting”, both parties in the negotiations are still seen as independent groups, according to the information report.
Windmill Holtum-North
During the past council term, GroenLinks formed a council with GOB, CDA and Stadspartij, but decided to leave that coalition in November last year. The party could not live with the postponement of the installation of windmills in Holtum-Noord. The faction is not grateful for that decision by the three GOB scouts. “Several parties indicate that they have doubts about the way in which GroenLinks acted, both administratively (as a member of the coalition or council) and during the campaign (after leaving the coalition)”, the report reads euphemistically.
city party
The GOB and CDA will work on a basic agreement for the coming council term in Sittard-Geleen. Other parties can join that agreement and “will be given the opportunity to propose additions to it”. The most obvious coalition partner is the City Party, which was also part of the previous coalition. With those three seats, the coalition would have the desired space majority.
Restore trust
But the fierce campaign appears to have inflicted wounds. The BRPS trio warns that “coalition cooperation with a few (numerically) obvious parties cannot be taken for granted. In such a case, first work will have to be done on mutual relationships and the restoration of trust”.