Coalition agreement ‘Let’s get to work. Building a better Netherlands’

Introduction

It is time to get to work on building a better Netherlands. In the years ahead, D66, the VVD and the CDA intend to do just that, working with others and taking the collaborative approach that is characteristic of our country. In the past a great deal was achieved thanks to a culture of consultation and compromise, thanks to freedom and enterprise, as well as a social tradition of community spirit and taking responsibility. There are enormous reserves of strength and initiative in society itself. These qualities helped shape our country, and they can help us take it forward together.

The three political movements presenting this agreement have their own individual histories, worldviews and visions of humanity. But we are united in the conviction that the Netherlands can start moving forward once more if politicians engage in respectful, constructive debate and have the courage to make clear choices. We believe our society wants a politics that can demonstrate that we achieve more by working together than by working against each other. That is why we are eager to show that things can be done differently.

For generations, it was generally expected that children would be better off than their parents. This is still possible; we are optimistic about that. The Netherlands has what it takes to fulfil that promise once more. But we must also be realistic, because it is not a given. A great deal is at stake in the years ahead. The world around us is becoming increasingly unpredictable. Old international certainties are disappearing, and threats to our free way of life and the rule of law are increasing. Our security, freedom and prosperity therefore demand resolute action and a sense of urgency.

This is an agreement containing choices and ambitions that, with hard work and determination, can truly be fulfilled. To achieve that, in the coming years the Netherlands will sometimes need to have the courage to hold steady for a while with a view to creating something bigger and better for the longer term, in the knowledge that each euro can be spent only once, and must benefit future generations.

We are already well aware that in a fragmented political landscape parliamentary majorities must be earned. A government without a majority must listen carefully and argue its case, must give and take, in order to get results. Our promise is to adopt an open attitude and demonstrate the will to find compromises. Our hope is that other parties will see opportunities in this approach to bring their own ideals a step closer. In this way we can jointly achieve things that are good for our country.

We want to finally make breakthroughs on issues like nitrogen policy and the housing market. Our farmers, home-seekers, entrepreneurs and natural environment deserve better. We want to get asylum migration and labour migration properly under control, by asking ourselves how much our country can absorb and what it needs, and taking action accordingly. We can see that over the next 10 to 20 years major investment in our defence and our economy will be necessary to keep our country safe and ensure that Dutch businesses can remain competitive at international level. We firmly believe that innovative climate policy and sustainable economic growth are two sides of the same coin. We are opting for a strong Netherlands in a strong Europe, working with all our allies to foster security, legal certainty and prosperity. We will cut unnecessarily complex rules, for individuals and companies alike. Government should make life easier instead of harder. Above all, we want to help ensure that teachers, police officers, nurses, shopkeepers and all the other people who keep our country going every day can look to the future with a sense of certainty. Those people who did not vote for our parties can also rest assured that we will do our very best to achieve this. 

We believe that this is what the Netherlands should be: a country of opportunities for everyone, regardless of age, origin, health or income. An enterprising country where everyone is free to make their own choices, but never at someone else’s expense. A country where hurling abuse at each other on X is not the norm, because the vast majority consider such behaviour unacceptable. A country where you help someone if they need it, and look out for each other. A country where the government is an ally to all people who make a positive contribution, and takes action against anyone who undermines the strengths of our society. We will protect our way of life and we will protect each other.

We will work with heart and soul to help build that country, together with as many other people as possible. We are ready to get to work, and build a stronger Netherlands.