The Schoof cabinet was sworn in this week. The new cabinet has appointed Sophie Hermans (VVD) as Prime Minister of Climate and Green Growth and also as Deputy Prime Minister. Hermans succeeds Rob Jetten, who fulfilled the role of Minister of Climate and Energy in the previous cabinet.
In her new position, Hermans emphasizes her commitment to achieving the Paris climate goals and continuing the work of her predecessor. During her hearing she stated: “He has worked hard for this in recent years and with results. And we will continue with that. The Climate Goals give us direction and focus to achieve what really matters. Pass on our country cleanly to future generations. Becoming independent or becoming independent more quickly from regimes on which you do not want to be dependent at all. And as a country we will become stronger, cleaner and more prosperous.”
While Rob Jetten was often labeled as a 'climate pusher', Hermans opts for a more positive approach and prefers to see himself as a 'climate doer'. She is determined to tackle climate challenges with decisiveness.
The program outline agreement of the PVV, VVD, NSC and the BBB confirms the commitment of the new government to adhere to the existing agreements regarding climate goals. If it is not possible to achieve these goals, “alternative policies” will be pursued with a strong emphasis on becoming independent of “unreliable countries”.
Hermans has emphasized the importance of cooperation to make progress in the Netherlands. She wants the industry to provide sustainable solutions to tackle climate challenges. In an interview with Goedemorgen Nederland on NPO1, she said: “For me, Green Growth is about the opportunities in climate policy. When we work together, politics, government, people at home, business, industry. Then there are so many opportunities to clean up this country and to become stronger.” Hermans assures that achieving the climate goals requires a joint effort: “We all need each other for that. Mona Keijzer with housing, Femke Wiersma when it comes to agriculture, Barry Madlener about mobility. I can't do it alone, we all have to do it together.”
Photo: central government, Martin Beckman
