JA21 leader Joost Eerdmans has called on the Dutch minority cabinet to decide whether to collaborate with his right-wing party or the left-wing Pro alliance for the upcoming budget.
The ultimatum was issued during his party's conference in Ede on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
The minority coalition of D66, VVD, and CDA lacks a majority in the House of Representatives and must secure opposition support before the summer recess.
Eerdmans criticized the government's current strategy of shifting between different political factions to pass legislation ahead of Prinsjesdag.
“Het kabinet kiest nu voor geitenpaadjes op het ritme van de Snollebollekes, van links naar rechts,” said Eerdmans.
He emphasized that the cabinet must make a definitive ideological choice for its financial plans.
“Maar ze zullen toch een keer moeten kiezen: gaan ze over links met Pro, of over rechts met ons?”
said Eerdmans.
Pro leader Jesse Klaver previously stated his unwillingness to cooperate with JA21, creating a sharp division within the coalition as D66 prefers Pro, while the VVD leans toward JA21.
“We zijn in de positie dat we kunnen zeggen: graag of niet,” said Eerdmans.
The right-wing leader warned that bypassing his party would result in a high fiscal cost for the government.
“En zo niet, moeten ze een hoge prijs aan Pro betalen, die miljarden gaat kosten,” said Eerdmans.
Prime Minister Jetten and Finance Minister Heinen are currently holding talks with various party leaders to secure a financial agreement.
Eerdmans described the discussions as “prima” but noted that the outcomes remain highly unpredictable. “Je kan er ook geen peil op trekken,” he said.
JA21's Demands and Political Positioning
JA21 demands tax relief, stricter asylum policies, and more security funding, proposing budget cuts on climate, civil servants, and foreign aid.
Eerdmans positioned his party as a pragmatic, constructive partner on the right, contrasting it with other conservative factions.
“Wij zijn verstandig rechts: stevig op de inhoud, beschaafd in de toon,” said Eerdmans.
He added, “Niet tegen alles om ertegen te zijn, geen opruiende uitspraken doen, maar met beide benen op de grond.”
To secure a majority, the coalition would also need the support of the SGP alongside JA21. “Daarom is het heel belangrijk dat de SGP meedoet,” said Eerdmans.
Eerdmans also pointed to challenges in the Senate, where a volatile right-wing majority currently sits ahead of the March provincial elections.
He described it as a “grillige rechtse meerderheid.”
While financial negotiations remain tense, sources indicate JA21 might compromise with Pro on the government's newly presented nitrogen emissions policy.
The government's plan requires both left and right-wing support to successfully lift restrictions on construction and agricultural permits.
“Nog tachtig dagen tot Prinsjesdag en nog steeds gaat het kabinet op het ritme van de Snollebollekes: van links naar rechts en weer terug,” said Eerdmans.
He reiterated, “Gaat het kabinet over links met Pro of over rechts met ons? Allebei kan niet.”
The leader suggested that the VVD could join Pro if the cabinet rejects a conservative financial path.
“En anders stapt de VVD maar lekker in het reddingsbootje van [Pro-leider] Jesse Klaver,” said Eerdmans.
JA21 members noted that ideological differences make financial agreements far more complex than environmental compromises.
“Laat ik maar glashelder zijn: JA21 zal niet instemmen met het financiële kader als lastenverlichtingen daar geen onderdeel van zijn,” said Eerdmans.
Party members indicated that the Senate's future composition after March will heavily dictate the cabinet's long-term political direction.
Ingrid Coenradie, Member of Parliament for JA21, said, “We weten allemaal wat de stand van zaken in de eerste Kamer in deze setting is maar ook dat Pro setelah maret best wel een flink aandeel zal hebben in de Eerste Kamer.”
Coenradie acknowledged that the shifting balance of power naturally influences the cabinet's current strategic outreach.
“Dus het is wel heel logisch dat men nu kijkt hoe de zaken voor elkaar te krijgen zijn,” she said.
