Informateur's recommendation: GL/PvdA, DGG, DPM, and CDA to form the municipal executive

Majority coalition: GL/PvdA, DGG, DPM, CDA 

In the municipal elections on March 18, GroenLinks/PvdA (PRO) emerged as the largest party in Geldrop-Mierlo. DPM was the biggest winner in Mierlo, securing 55% of the vote. According to Smeulders, all parties indicated during the informational meetings that these two parties should together form the basis of the new municipal administration. 

The discussions also revealed that the CDA and DGG are the most obvious partners to complete the coalition. “Forming a majority coalition is necessary to achieve administrative stability at a time when the municipality is facing many challenges and significant constraints. Think of the municipal budget deficits, grid congestion, and the limited nitrogen allowance,” said Smeulders.  

Council Agenda 

During the discussions, all parties expressed their willingness to draft a council program. This program is intended to set the policy direction that the municipal government will follow over the next four years. On issues where a council-wide consensus cannot be reached, the coalition will take a position. 

A New Approach to Collaboration  

In his report, Smeulders writes that “all political groups agree that cooperation within the city council and between the city council and the executive committee needs to improve. All parties seem willing to work together toward improvement. Drafting a council program jointly is a good first step in that direction.”  

Major challenges 

All parties agree on the issues requiring major decisions: housing, shortages in the social sector, and the municipality’s financial situation will necessitate far-reaching decisions in the coming period. That won’t be easy, but Smeulders is optimistic: “Those challenges are there, whether we like it or not. All political groups realize that the tasks are complex and that residents deserve to have these issues handled conscientiously. Such an approach makes it possible to arrive at responsible policy choices together. On the substance of the issues, most political groups in the city council are not far apart, so a council program should be possible.” 

Process  

To reach his recommendation, informateur Smeulders met twice with all the political groups, Mayor van Bree, and municipal staff. Moving forward, he advises the council to appoint a formateur who will work with the council over the next month to develop the council program, draft a coalition agreement with the prospective coalition groups, and finalize the composition of the municipal executive.