VVD, look at TU Delft

The previous Cabinet – which also included the political party VVD – scrapped the long-term funding plan that was supposed to make university budgets more stable and predictable. Instead, universities now have to make do with far less money. For TU Delft, that means a cut of EUR 79 million per year starting in 2028. Faculties have been handed a metaphorical cheese slicer and been told to shave off 10%. Their plans have now been submitted and are available to staff – but not to students. We have to make do with the summary in Delta.

Meanwhile, the VVD’s own finances are running into trouble. After losing seats in the last election, they now receive less Government funding, while costs continue to rise. Years of near-constant campaigning – the result of Cabinets that fell one after another – haven’t helped either. To be fair, the VVD isn’t exactly blameless: in 2023 they helped bring down the Cabinet, and last year they chose to join one that was shaky from the start. Early elections don’t just cost the VVD money, they cost the country money too. The 2023 elections alone cost around EUR 93 million. Another challenge for the VVD is the decline in membership, and therefore in membership fees.

The alcohol policy might be a source of inspiration as well

The VVD has already managed to save about EUR 800,000 this year. That’s a decent sum, but still peanuts compared to TU Delft’s cuts. So maybe they can learn a thing or two from TU Delft’s plans.

They could start with the cheese-slicer approach. TU Delft has mastered it. The VVD has already trimmed back on borrels (drinks), but there’s more potential. Team outings? Everyone pays their own way. Office fruit baskets can go. In fact, cancel all catering. Unpopular measures, but we all have to stay afloat somehow. The alcohol policy might be a source of inspiration as well. Drinks on campus are off-limits until 17:00. The VVD could follow that example, or go one step further to completely alcohol free. It would certainly save money. And who knows, it might even lead to better decision-making.

Another TU Delft idea: more use of AI. The VVD might make more use of this as well. Not to generate problematic images and keep journalists and politicians busy for weeks, but for simple tasks like spotting typos before something gets published or for basic administration.

The VVD has already decided to cut down on external meetings, but savings can be made at home too. TU Delft shows how: fewer coffee machines, longer use of office furniture, lower indoor temperatures. Then again, their reactions to contributing to a stable government have been cold in recent weeks, so maybe the thermostat’s already low enough.

As you see, there are plenty of opportunities available for the VVD. I look forward to their plans. Just one request – when they’re done, could they make them available for everyone involved?