D66, VVD, CDA MP's approve coalition agreement titled "Getting Started"

After hours of deliberation, the parliamentary factions of the D66, VVD, and CDA have given the green light for the coalition agreement. The details about the agreement are still very thin, but sources close to the Cabinet formation process told the Telegraaf that it is titled “Aan de slag,” which translates to “Getting Started.”

The Telegraaf’s sources also reported that the three parties planned to pursue strict budgetary discipline and keep the budget deficit below 2 percent. All three party leaders declined to comment. All three told the media that their parliamentary factions were positive about the coalition agreement.

D66 leader Rob Jetten said that his party still had some “small points” and “tweaks” that he will discuss with the other two parties on Thursday, but he expects no problems, NOS reported. “We’ve already been testing each other’s limits quite a bit in recent weeks,” Jetten said.

VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz said her party was “very positive” and has great confidence in working with the D66 and CDA. She wouldn’t comment on the content of the agreement, but said her party found it a “nice, coherent story,” with “the VVD stamp clearly recognizable.” There are some sore points, but no one was “childish about it” since the VVD consists of “professionals,” Yeşilgöz said.

CDA leader Henri Bontenbal said his party had a “great meeting” and finished last because they took their time with the “very long document.” The party went through the agreement chapter by chapter and had no major comments, only some textual issues. When asked if the CDA was proud of the agreement, Bontenbal said: “I think so. I’m allowed to stay, so I think it’s fine.”

So far, there have been no big leaks about the content of the coalition agreement. All we know is the title and the alleged strict budget policy from the Telegraaf’s sources.

D66 leader and likely Prime Minister Jetten said on Tuesday that they’ve made clear choices on issues like domestic and international security, more affordable housing, and defense. He also said that the intention is “not to pass the bill on to future generations.”

This morning, the party leaders will discuss the textual amendments their parties want to make. They plan to present the agreement on Friday.