Rob Jetten
Prime Minister of the Netherlands · Democrats 66 (D66)
Where they stand
The latest thing they said on each issue, dated. Tap an issue for their words and the source.
Economy and environment
Housing Build faster, fewer rules
Said
The cabinet wants to halve design and permit procedures by 2030 and scrap or simplify many permits and rules so existing buildings can be split and built upwards more easily.
“Ook hier komt die slimme digitalisering om de hoek kijken, om uiteindelijk het ontwerp- en vergunningstraject te halveren per 2030, maar ook om te kijken hoe we een hele hoop vergunningen en regels kunnen schrappen of versimpelen, zodat we bestaande gebouwen ook veel beter kunnen benutten, bijvoorbeeld met het makkelijker splitsen en optoppen van die panden.”
Our translation Here too smart digitalisation comes in, to eventually halve the design and permit process by 2030, but also to look at how we can scrap or simplify a whole lot of permits and rules, so that we can also make much better use of existing buildings, for example by making it easier to split and add storeys to those buildings.
Nitrogen and farming Cut livestock numbers
Said
Under the coalition agreement, if the nitrogen target is not met by 2035, animal or phosphate rights can be cut as a last resort.
“In 2035 zal, als het stikstofdoel niet wordt gehaald, als ultieme remedie ook kunnen worden gekort op dier- of fosfaatrechten.”
Our translation In 2035, if the nitrogen target is not met, animal or phosphate rights can also be cut as an ultimate remedy.
Climate targets Keep or raise the targets
Said
Climate policy stalled in recent years through stop-start policy and postponed choices, and the country should now accelerate again.
“De afgelopen paar jaar zijn we helaas tot stilstand gekomen door jojobeleid op het gebied van klimaat en doordat een aantal grote keuzes zijn uitgesteld. Het is nu dus aan ons om het duurzame gaspedaal echt weer vol in te trappen.”
Our translation In the past few years we have unfortunately come to a standstill through yo-yo policy on climate and because a number of big choices were postponed. So it is now up to us to really press the green accelerator fully down again.
Society
Asylum Stricter, within EU law
Said
Alongside implementing the EU Migration Pact, the cabinet is working with a group of European countries on return hubs outside EU territory.
“Het kabinet werkt daarnaast aan het verder operationaliseren van een aantal innovatieve oplossingen, zoals de terugkeerhubs buiten het EU-grondgebied. Dat doen we samen met een vijftal landen die ook in die Europese kopgroep zitten.”
Our translation The cabinet is also working on further operationalising a number of innovative solutions, such as the return hubs outside EU territory. We are doing that together with five countries that are also in that European lead group.
The Netherlands in the world
The EU A stronger EU
Said
Asked about the coalition's plan to end national vetoes in the EU, he said vetoes let countries with other interests block decent policy, which is against the Dutch interest.
“Dit is in het Nederlandse belang. Doordat we op sommige onderwerpen nu een vetorecht hebben, kunnen landen die niks met onze belangen ophebben, blokkeren dat er eens een keer fatsoenlijk beleid wordt afgesproken.”
Our translation This is in the Dutch interest. Because we now have a veto on some subjects, countries that care nothing for our interests can block decent policy from finally being agreed.
Ukraine Keep arming Ukraine
Said
The Netherlands checks every week what more it can deliver to Ukraine, from weapons and air defence to equipment for its energy grid.
“We kijken echt op wekelijkse basis wat we extra kunnen leveren. Dat gaat van wapens en afweergeschut tot oude pijpleidingen en installaties van Gasunie om het Oekraïense energienetwerk op te lappen.”
Our translation We really look on a weekly basis at what extra we can deliver. That ranges from weapons and anti-aircraft guns to old pipelines and installations from Gasunie to patch up the Ukrainian energy network.
Israel Restrict trade or arms
Said
The Netherlands is bringing in national measures against products from illegal settlements, taking effect the following week.
“Zo geven we internationaal het voorbeeld met nationale maatregelen tegen producten uit illegale nederzettingen. Die worden volgende week in Nederland van kracht.”
Our translation In this way we set the example internationally with national measures against products from illegal settlements. They take effect in the Netherlands next week.
No change of mind on record yet: every position above is the latest they have stated, with its date.
How this works
Each change shows what they said then and what they said later, in their own words, dated, with the source.
Every quote is checked word for word against a saved copy of its source. Translations are labelled.
The short labels on each line are our summaries.