ChristenUnie threatens to be sidelined again in Bunschoten

The four parties say they are investigating whether “the constructive cooperation that characterizes the current coalition can be continued”. They are therefore going to “make an attempt at formation”.

In that sense, the decision is remarkable because the ChristenUnie once again emerged as the largest party in recent elections. More than 32 percent of the Bunschoters voted for that party. As a result, the party holds 6 of the 19 seats in the city council. That is one less than during the previous council term, but the party is still a lot bigger than the VVD (4), CDA (4), SGP (3) and CAP (2).

The decision is less remarkable when looking at recent years. In 2018, the ChristenUnie still formed the coalition with the VVD. But the latter party decided in 2019 to end its collaboration with the ChristenUnie. According to the VVD, the ChristenUnie was not open to administrative innovation, among other things.

The VVD then formed a new coalition with the then opposition parties CDA, SGP and CAP. As a result, the ChristenUnie was sidelined in Bunschoten for the first time in 70 years and then single-handedly formed the entire opposition.

If VVD, CDA, SGP and CAP come together again, the ChristenUnie will once again remain the only opposition party. To the dismay of faction leader Alma Broekmaat. “It is customary and also the expectation of voters that the largest party takes the initiative in investigating possible collaborations,” says Broekmaat. “The fact that this is now being pushed aside and the largest party being sidelined does not do justice to the election results.”

Her party now states that it wants “an open and transparent information process with all parties”. In it, the ChristenUnie also wants the possibility of a council-wide agreement to be explored.