Netherlands: Henk Kamp is the new Minister of Social Affairs

The largest employers’ organization, the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW) rejoiced with the appointment of Henk Kamp, “a man with great experience,” as the previous spokesman for the Liberal Party (VVD) on social and employment issues.  Former leader of the Liberal Party’s Parliamentary group, Henk Kamp was in turn Minister of Housing (2002) and Minister of Defense (2002-2007).  He announced that he wants good relations with the social partners, perpetuating the Dutch tradition of dialog and search for consensus – the famous “polder model.”  Agnes Jongerius, general secretary of the Dutch Trade Union Federation (FNV), the country’s key union, is also happy with the appointment of Henk Kamp.  The latter is going to take over one of the biggest cases of the previous government, the pension reform and the official increase of retirement age from 65 to 66, planned for 2020.  The act drawn up to that effect in 2009, pending since the fall of the Jan-Peter Balkenende administration in February, should be passed in Parliament soon.  However, Mrs. Jongerius remains firm.  “We have to sit down quickly to discuss the very severe measures the government wants to take about social benefits and disable young.”  The key reform announced by the new conservative coalition, headed by liberal Prime Minister Mark Rutte, 43, will merge the welfare systems for young disabled people and for long-term jobseekers, to reduce the number of beneficiaries.  Even though some commentators doubt the efficiency and viability of the new government, which completely depends on the support of right-wing populist Geert Wilders, Henk Kamp is counting on a functional coalition that’s going to get to work soon.