WILL THE POLDER MODEL SURVIVE?

Since a while the Dutch are questioning their famous consideration model, also called the Polder model. Lately the top-level consultation between the Unions, employers and the government ended in failure. In a time were quick effects and results are fashionable, long debates of consultative bodies to reach a general agreement that is satisfying for all pa rtners, are not very popular anymore. Here under a diversity of Dutch opinions:

Liberal politician: ‘The Dutch Polder model has seen better days. The system does not work anymore and to me it is a change for the better'

Social Democrat (on the statement of the liberal politician),: ‘He is acting the tough guy. He only damages the economy. If the system is not investing in consultation anymore, huge unrest in the labour relations will be the end result.'

Minister of Finance: ‘One needs to govern, instead of waiting for consensus.'

Frits Bolkenstein: The polder model is outdated. Consensus is fine, but good policy is much better. Sitting around a table an build castle in the air is easier, governing is often pa inful.

Former leader of the Dutch liberals: ‘What's is the alternative for the Polder model? The conflict- or clash model? We had that model in the seventies and that has been disastrous.'

Economist: ‘There is no Polder model in The Netherlands. We mainly have a combat economy here. Only in the field of labour there is something like a Polder model. But the trend is that more and more is decided and regulated on the com pa ny level or even the individual level.'

Chairman of the Dutch Social Economical Board: ‘I would not mind dumping the term Polder model. That something is wrong with the deliberation economy is clear, but the Polder model had its ups and down before'.

Politician of the Liberal Democrats: having meetings can be a strength, but it should not lead to stagnation. If the Dutch government goes it own way after the Polder consultation does not work, it indicates political leadership. It is fine to keep on talking, but there should be some battle strength.'

Chairman of one of the Unions: ‘The Polder model id dead and the unions have to pre pa re for a new age. We are going towards a situation were the will be regular labour disputes, and the Cabinet ows this to itself.'

A German professor in innovative Economics working in The Netherlands: ‘The Polder model is maybe in a crisis just now, but that is only temporary. Because for mor than 400 years the model is pa rt of the Dutch culture. If you really want to understand the Dutch, one should study the way the Dutch won the fight against the water.'

Economist: ‘The pa st years the Polder model still worked fine. The Unions managed to convince their members of wage restraint, while at the same time the top of the employers organised an enormous increase of pa yment for themselves.

Christian member of Parliament: This is not the end of the Poldermodel. Social deliberation is of great importance. An argument even occurs in the best relation. The Polder model can stand some rough handling. This is only a relapse in spring and we will get over that again.

Chairman of a multi national: ‘A deliberation culture cannot break into the changes in the world fast enough. For fast changes, both com pa nies and government need charismatic leaders.' more features

June 3, 2004