The municipality of Westerveld is going for a coalition with DSW (4), VVD (3), CDA (2) and D66 (1). That was announced by informer Roelof Martens tonight. He did say, however, that he encountered many underlying old hurts during the conversations and that mutual trust is fragile.
The winner of the elections, the party Duurzaam Sterk Westerveld (DSW), quickly found an ally in the VVD. Together they went looking for two parties to complete the college. Ultimately, CDA and D66 indicated that they wanted to enter into the next phase of the negotiations.
The role of newcomer D66 is particularly striking. Until last year, the party was still part of Progressief Westerveld. The party won a seat in the elections. The CDA was also not part of the previous council. According to Martens, these parties were looked at ‘because cooperation between some parties is not self-evident and trust is insufficient’.
With a four-party college, the DSW, VVD, CDA and D66 groups hope for broad support. Martens: “In my opinion, four parties ensure a better division of left and right and a broader representation of Westerveld society.”
The elections in Westerveld last month did not bring any major surprises. The previous council included DSW, VVD and Municipal Interests. This composition arose after Progressive Westerveld withdrew its confidence in DSW and IC and left the council.
Alderman Klaas Smidt (VVD) will continue as a formateur with Martens in the negotiations to reach a council agreement.
Jan Puper of the PvdA (2) reacts critically to that intention. “Nothing against these men, but I really advocate neutral formateurs. The composition is a remarkable choice and a swing to the right. We are going to prepare for a solid, healthy opposition.”