Caribbean advocacy organisation Ocan does not foresee any major changes in Dutch policy for the islands (see related story) after last week’s Second Chamber of Parliament elections. Projected narrow winner by votes D66 – tying in seats at 26 each with right-wing PVV – will reportedly opt for a centrist coalition.
The latter could include VVD (22), PvdA/Groenlinks (20) and CDA (18) for a total of 86 seats, 10 more than needed for a simple legislative majority. However, VVD has expressed doubts, while PvdA/Groenlinks leader Frans Timmermans stepped down immediately after the vote because his party lost five seats.
The prospect of a D66-led government at least seems a fairly positive one for Curaçao, Aruba and St. Maarten, considering past experience with the party and – for example – the fact that it favours a humane but controlled migration policy. They explicitly acknowledge that the Caribbean countries are integral to the Kingdom, with shared responsibilities in areas such as social stability, climate resilience and good governance.
However, that also means a Kingdom Council of Ministers RMR in The Hague potentially headed by D-66 leader Rob Jetten will expect action rather than rhetoric from Willemstad, Oranjestad and Philipsburg. Doing more to solve their own structural problems and meeting commitments made regarding agreed-on reforms is likely part of the equation.
Once good cooperation is established, D66 but also CDA may be expected to take a constructive approach towards the islands and their needs. This can mean added attention to climate issues and sustainability, including potential funding for coastal protection, renewable energy and disaster preparedness, as well as renewed dialogue on social and economic development, emphasising equal treatment within the Kingdom.
But there will also be continued oversight on governance, as D66 – like most Dutch parties – insists on transparency and accountability as conditions for cooperation and financial support. All in all, the provisional election result offers hope of a less volatile and entrenched phase in Dutch politics, which might benefit the entire Kingdom.
