The government must set realistic expectations. It must do what it promises and only promise what it can deliver. Otherwise, citizens get stuck and the Netherlands increasingly grinds to a halt. This is stated by the National Ombudsman, the Vice-President of the Council of State, and the President of the Court of Audit in a joint note to the forming parties.
At the invitation of the informateur, Reinier van Zutphen, Thom de Graaf and Pieter Duisenberg today explained their recommendations to the party leaders of D66, VVD and CDA.
Passing on problems
It is often clear early on that government plans are difficult to implement, for example because there is too little money or staff or because plans conflict with international treaties. Yet they are continued. When things go wrong, the problems end up with implementing organizations, municipalities or the courts. And ultimately, citizens pay the price.
Citizens have to wait a long time for solutions, get entangled in complicated rules and remain uncertain about their future. As with asylum policy, the recovery operation for benefits, nitrogen and nature restoration. This reduces trust in and credibility of the government, which is important for a well-functioning democracy and rule of law.
How then?
The government must set clear and achievable goals and be honest about what is and is not possible. The High Councils of State also advise that laws and regulations be simplified. And the government must show in advance what choices are needed, what they cost and what the consequences are. Furthermore, it must be clear whether measures really work and do not cause new problems. Implementing organizations and municipalities must be involved from the start so that problems can be prevented earlier.
Together for a better government
The Netherlands faces major challenges. This requires a decisive government that works well together, listens and dares to learn. This also includes opposition from parliament and High Councils of State. Policymakers, implementers and governments must involve each other better and listen to each other. This creates plans that work in practice and fit the daily lives of citizens.
On December 1 last year, the High Councils of State organized the symposium ‘Towards a realistic government’. The insights of representatives from implementation, science, administration and civil society were included in the joint note with concrete recommendations for a realistic government.
Read the note from the High Councils of State to the negotiating parties.