The Mercelina Cabinet II will be installed on November 28 (see related story), more than two months after September 20, when the Parliament elected on August 19 took office. Because it largely concerns the same outgoing four-party coalition – only SAM replaced NOW – there was hope the formation process might be accelerated, but that has not really been the case.
To be sure, “informateur” and caretaker Prime Minister Luc Mercelina stayed well within the governor’s November 15 deadline. He will be heading his second government in less than a year, many would probably hope – for the sake of political stability – a bit longer this time around.
There are normally seven minsters (not counting the plenipotentiary minister in The Hague), but the Mercelina Cabinet I was one short. Four of the current six return to their posts, but there will also be newcomers at Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS), Justice, as well as Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA. This means things most likely won’t be exactly like before at those ministries.
Moreover, although three of the former four coalition partners remain, the seat division between them was also altered, possibly leading to different policy approaches. In several ways this will thus still be a different government.
Equally interesting is who will take over – based on personal votes – the legislative seats to be vacated by the incoming ministers. This can impact how the respective factions function, which may in turn affect a government’s performance.
Nevertheless, the scheduled appointment of a “new” Council of Ministers brings hope that those chosen to lead the country’s executive branch for the next four years do a good job minding the people’s business.
