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.
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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.”
