Political testament of Rutte I

A new year and a relatively new government, with some striking similarities to the last government; but is that a bad thing? JOEP DERKSEN looks at what the previous Rutte I cabinet achieved during its time in office.

One of the Netherlands' most controversial governments ceased to exist in 2012: the minority coalition of VVD and CDA, who had the support of the right wing PVV led by Geert Wilders. It was Wilders who pulled the plug out of the cabinet, after he did not want to risk losing support from his voters. Ultimately to no avail, because he lost ten seats in Parliament after the elections. But, after all criticism about Rutte I, let us have a look at the achievements of this government, which was in power for one year and a half.

At the start of Rutte I, the parties strived to cut back the size of the government apparatus. Therefore, ministries were merged and less ministers were appointed. Also, civil servants had to look for other jobs and buildings were shed. A total amount of 6.5 billion euro in cutbacks was the result. "A lean and mean government will be helpful to operate effectively in a sustainable economic growth," reads a government press release of 10 October 2011.

Another achievement was the signing of the pension agreement. The government agreed with the representatives of the employers and employees to raise the retirement age to 67. The agreement cost FNV-chairman Agnes Jongerius her job, but ultimately all large unions accepted the fact that in future, labourers will have to work an extra two years before they can enjoy a good pension.

It is widely accepted that the current euro crisis started with the news that southern European countries such as Greece had lied over their revenues and expenses. Therefore, Rutte came up with the idea of introducing a ‘Eurocommissaris’ (European Commissioner). This European Commissioner had to be given the power to force countries to implement a strict budget discipline. Countries that fail to meet the budget agreements could be (financially) punished by this European Commissioner. Since the European Union had not committed to a "mean and lean government," there are nowadays 24 European Commissioners and one High Representative for the Common Foreign and Safety Policy.

During 2012, the piracy in the waters of Somalia became an ever-increasing threat to global trade. That is why Rutte I took measures to protect the Dutch ships. It was the first such measurement since merchant traders filed a complaint about pirate activities in February 1621. Last year, at least 20 percent of all ships had private security guards on board to protect the goods and crew. Rutte I decided to provide the assistance of 50 Vessel Protection Detachments, to be used on the "koopvaardijschepen" (merchant ships).

To fight the economic downturn, Rutte I introduced the "Topsectorenbeleid" (top sector policy). Through this policy, government, businesses, universities and research centres receive public funding to cooperate and realise more knowledge and innovation. More than half a billion euro was invested in this idea, which supports activities in sectors like agri-food, life science & health and the bio-based economy. Rutte II has decided to continue this experiment.

Also in 2012, the old system of individual police departments was abandoned and the plans were unfolded for a national police force. This national police came into effect on 1 January 2013. Not less than 25 regional forces as well as the KLPD have been merged into one national organisation. However, this new organisation has been subdivided into ten regional units. It is hoped that, because of less red tape, police officers will now have more time for "street work" and "detective operations."

Rutte I also committed itself to supporting the leadership in Afghanistan in their fight against the Taliban rebels. In this case, the PVV did not support the government, but Prime Minister Mark Rutte could easily trust on the support of the PvdA (Labour Party) and GroenLinks (Green Left). The then leaders of the PvdA (Job Cohen) and GroenLinks (Jolande Sap) have now left the political arena.

But the greatest achievement of Rutte I has undoubtedly been the introduction of a maximum speed limit of 130 kilometres per hour on the highways. The times that car drivers were forced to move ahead with a snail pace of 100 kilometres per hour, after midnight on an abandoned highway are all but gone. Anno 2013, car and motor drivers can enjoy cruising 130 kilometres per hour on 14 highways. The aim of the then (and current) Minister for Infrastructure and Environment Schultz van Haegen is to have a maximum speed limit of 130 kilometres introduced on almost 60 percent of the Dutch highways.

We are not there yet, but all hard workers are happy: they can be home sooner every day and also the government is pleased. When people drive faster, the motor vehicles consume more gasoline and this leads to extra tax revenues: about 100 million euro per year. 

(Verschenen in The Holland Times, editie januari 2013).