After two days of discussions, Koolmees sees that there is “a lot of agreement about the content, but still major differences in the composition.” By continuing to talk in pairs, Koolmees intensifies the exploration.
A complicated puzzle
Upon arrival for his interview with Eerdmans and Koolmees, Jetten once again states that he does not necessarily have a preference for collaboration with JA21. “I think the substantive differences are large,” says the D66 leader. “If you look at climate, nitrogen and European cooperation, the differences between JA21 and D66 are very large.”
Jetten continues to argue for a coalition of D66, VVD, GL/PvdA and CDA. “My preference is clearly for a much broader coalition with a large majority,” says the D66 leader. And he does not want to let go of that for the time being: “I will focus on that in the coming days.”
Koolmees puts opposites together: duo conversations D66 with JA21 and VVD with GL/PvdA
Eerdmans also sees differences between his party and D66, he says before the conversation with Koolmees. The paths still diverge somewhat, especially when it comes to climate and asylum. But he does not see any insurmountable differences: “We are in this country to do it together. We are a bit different in the game. But I think the chemistry between me and Rob Jetten is completely fine.”
Eerdmans understands that Koolmees is already pitting opposites against each other on the third day of discussions: “I think it is good that he is speeding up.” The scout has been asked by the House to submit a report on Tuesday on how to proceed in the formation.
Later in the day, Koolmees will speak with Dilan Yesilgöz (VVD) and Jesse Klaver (GL/PvdA). The VVD leader maintains her blockade of a coalition with the left-wing merger club. And Klaver does not yet accept Jetten’s outstretched hand, he always states that it would not matter to him whether his party ends up in the coalition or opposition.
CDA leader Henri Bontenbal does not have to come by on Friday. He said this week that he hopes to arrive at a new cabinet mainly through the content and does not want to say out loud whether this is best done in a combination with GL/PvdA or in a center-right cabinet with JA21.
Bontenbal did, however, emphatically drop the names of 50Plus and CU on Wednesday as parties that could play a role in such a centre-right coalition. Both parties say after their conversation with Koolmees that ‘modesty’ suits them, but there is no clear ‘no’.