Response to Throne Speech by Mayor Weaver
Chairman of the City Region Parkstad Limburg, Roel Wever was in The Hague yesterday to make the region's voice heard on the day the Throne Speech was pronounced and the budget was presented.
Forward
Roel Wever: "I heard a very humble Throne Speech. It is also quite a peculiar situation that twice a party is leaving the Cabinet. The national elections are in six weeks. To avoid stagnation in the coming months - and the coming year - the Cabinet will have to be very conscious of the fact that good cooperation is needed: in political The Hague, but also with municipalities and regions. That offers opportunities. It is therefore also good that the Speech from the Throne paid attention to the economic and administrative strength of regions and the King even calls this strength an important key to achieve breakthroughs."
Action Needed
"Those are great words. As also outlined in the "Every Region Counts" report, there are opportunities in the region, as well as major challenges to address. But it is time for action. Meanwhile, we have been discussing plans and agendas with the Rijksoverheid for a long time. The report "Every Region Counts" has been on the table for over 2.5 years, but it seems to have ended up at the bottom of the drawer. There must be real clarity about a joint multi-year agenda between the national government and the region, with prospects for realization. We are ready for that."