Growing tensions and distrust within the Dutch cabinet have come to light as discussions about key issues such as immigration and nitrogen emissions remain unresolved. According to conversations held by Nieuwsuur with over twenty individuals involved in the cabinet, this distrust is particularly directed towards asylum minister Marjolein Faber (PVV) and nitrogen minister Femke Wiersma (BBB), with finance minister Eelco Heinen (VVD) also facing accusations of bias.
Since the formation of the coalition government, leaders from the PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB have been openly arguing, creating an increasingly volatile atmosphere. Prime Minister Dick Schoof had previously managed to maintain a semblance of unity among his cabinet members, but that has changed dramatically as of early March 2025.
Faber, who has been labeled the "weakest link" in the cabinet, is criticized for her inability to push new asylum laws through parliament. A colleague minister expressed frustration, stating, "Every time she is told how to handle something, she doesn’t seem to grasp it." This sentiment is echoed by others who have described listening to her during cabinet meetings as an exercise in discomfort.
Adding to the discontent, Faber's refusal to award decorations to five volunteers from the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) has sparked further criticism, even among members of her own party. One minister described the situation as "very strange," suggesting that Faber's rigidity is hindering the cabinet's progress on crucial asylum legislation.
Meanwhile, Wiersma's performance regarding the nitrogen crisis has also drawn ire. In mid-February, she presented a nitrogen plan that her coalition partners deemed premature. A colleague accused her of obstructing necessary measures by withholding official documents, which has led to accusations that the cabinet is unable to govern effectively due to internal conflicts.
As the cabinet grapples with these pressing issues, the atmosphere has soured significantly. The turning point came when Schoof unilaterally arranged for an additional €3.5 billion in aid for Ukraine after consulting with Heinen, which angered the vice-premiers from the PVV, BBB, and NSC. This decision has led to increased distrust towards Schoof and Heinen, complicating negotiations over the upcoming Spring Memorandum.
In a recent debate on nitrogen emissions, Wiersma faced mounting pressure from the Dutch parliament to make decisive choices. During the session on April 2, 2025, she asserted that the nitrogen commission would deliver results this month, countering suggestions that she was stalling the process. "I am not hitting the brakes; difficult choices are being made," Wiersma stated firmly.
However, her refusal to commit to specific measures, such as land expropriation, has frustrated parliament members, particularly from the NSC and VVD. They emphasized the urgency of the situation, with NSC member Harm Holman warning of a potential "tsunami" of enforcement requests affecting farmers and businesses.
Wiersma's insistence that all sectors must contribute fairly to the solution has not quelled the impatience among coalition partners. VVD member Thom van Campen highlighted the need for fundamental emission reductions, stating, "We know enough about the nitrogen problem to get to work. Further delays are unnecessary." Meanwhile, BBB member Caroline van der Plas expressed concern about the broader implications of farmers ceasing operations, pointing to the potential loss of food production and local jobs.
As the cabinet struggles to navigate these complex issues, internal tensions continue to escalate. Recent meetings have reportedly seen ministers expressing their frustrations openly, with one minister even walking out in irritation. There is now a firm expectation that Wiersma must present concrete plans at the next meeting of the nitrogen commission, scheduled for the week of April 7-11, 2025. Ministers have made it clear that it is time for action, stating, "Deliver now. Otherwise, we won't get out of this."
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding nitrogen regulations has significant implications for various sectors, including agriculture and construction, as projects are stalled due to excessive nitrogen emissions. The cabinet's inability to reach consensus on this critical issue raises questions about its capacity to govern effectively.
As the situation develops, the pressure on Wiersma and her fellow ministers will only intensify. The cabinet's future hinges on their ability to resolve these disputes and deliver viable solutions to the pressing challenges facing the nation.
