In public affairs and lobbying, it is crucial to remain active in the first hundred days that a new government (or a local or regional policy team) is in office. It is during this time that cabinet members and policy teams define the contours of their policy – and that work does not stop when the coalition agreement is in place. With these five tips, you can make the most of these first hundred days.
Once the cards are dealt by voters, political parties look for a majority to form new coalitions with new policy priorities. In the run-up to the elections, political parties set out their priorities in election programs. These now serve as the basis for negotiating a coalition agreement.
Influencing the content of election programs – for example, through a memorandum – was a first step in shaping future policy. During the (sometimes protracted) government negotiations, it is best to keep the best possible contact with the negotiators and their advisors to get that one important sentence into the agreement.
But even when the agreement is in place, it’s not too late. Here are five important steps you should definitely include in your lobbying plan:
Read the coalition agreement
Political parties spend a lot of time negotiating a coalition agreement, and with good reason: this agreement is a contract between the governing parties on policy initiatives. What is in it is implemented and what is not in it is not (necessarily) – informal agreements are also common.
Reading the coalition agreement is a first but essential step in knowing what the priorities are and what measures the policy team will propose.
Highlight each sentence that is relevant to you and consider the potential impact for your organization. Tip: coalition agreements in Brussels and federally are drafted in two languages and the two versions sometimes differ. This “sloppiness” sometimes hides differences in nuance and interpretations that you can later use in political contacts.
Find out about the composition of the cabinets
Immediately after being sworn in, ministers set to work on the composition of the cabinet: a team of advisers headed by the cabinet chief. Despite all promises of reform, cabinets remain the driving force of Belgian politics and are essential in making new rules and policies.
Inquire about the advisors who will manage your file(s): they hold the pen. Don’t forget the advisers to the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Budget Minister. They too must give their blessing before a minister can successfully develop a new initiative. Identify key players and offer to provide input.
Policy notes
The first task of a ministerial cabinet is to develop a policy note (in Dutch: “beleidsnota”) that the minister will defend in parliament. In this note, the minister explains how they will implement the coalition agreement in the coming year. The policy note gives an initial insight into the minister’s agenda and their approach towards approach, timelines and consultations with civil society. As a policy instrument, it is the capstone for contact and follow-up.
In normal circumstances, it takes a month or two (maybe three) for ministers to present their policy paper to parliament. This is because first they have to put together their cabinet, check their plans internally and write them out.
The policy memorandum is a formal hurdle that every minister must clear at all Belgian policy levels: the memorandum first appears on the agenda in committee and then must be approved in plenary. In practice, the vote often ends in a vote of the majority against the opposition.
Establish coalitions of like-minded people
Every issue has supporters and opponents. Identify stakeholders and map their views and interests. Scan the possibility of forming an alliance and streamlining positions.
This can be within an existing sector federation or it can be an ad hoc coalition of like-minded actors. Parliamentarians also play an important role in influencing the government. The stronger the signal, the more likely it is to be picked up by policy. Moreover, it gives you an extra pair of hands and ears. That way you don’t have to do everything alone.
Also, keep the bigger picture in mind. What is happening in our neighboring countries? What do international organizations like the OECD think? And above all: what does Europe say? The European voice is a powerful voice in shaping policies.
We know from research (see our blog on inside and outside lobbying) that policymakers are very amenable to broad coalitions, involving not only business but also other civil society organizations.
Use the press
Direct personal contact with policymakers to make your case is an essential part of lobbying. But policymakers do not live in an ivory tower. They are sensitive to public debate and positions that enjoy support among opinion makers and the broader public. So seek out the press to make your case publicly. Use “outside lobbying” as a megaphone for your “inside lobbying.”
Need help developing an impactful lobbying plan? Contact us for a no-obligation meeting: you’ll find our contact information at the bottom.