https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/04/dutch-politician-who-worked-for-shell-poised-to-become-eu-climate-chief?CMP=share_btn_tw
MEPs to vote on appointment of Wopke Hoekstra after his endorsement by environment committee
Headline implies he's a fossil fuel company man, but the article points out that he supports elimination of fossil fuel subsidies and believes that fossil fuels have no future.
He was a lot less ambitious about combatting climate change when he was still in The Hague. It seems like he just changes his stance based on his environment/job.
Or he's looking for jobs that suit his changing opinions.
Hopefully he does a good job, should he get the position.
Of course that could be the case, but less than a year ago, he almost caused the collapse of the Dutch government on the sustainability of agriculture in the country.
At least I can’t see an honest motivation other than his own opportunities.
It was in August of last year apparently (does time fly). He suddenly wanted to discuss the agreed upon nitrogen-plans at the start of the formation of the government. This, to try to regain trust from traditional supporters of the party, farmers. They have been in recent times moving to a dedicated farmers party.
De harde maar omstreden deadline van 2030 is daarbij voor de CDA-voorman niet langer ´heilig´.
De boerenachterban, die traditioneel op het CDA stemde, loopt weg juist door het stikstofbeleid van dit kabinet^1.
I really don't think he is changing any opinion and I don't think he's a good fit. Actually I have no idea why they picked this guy at all.
Because he's buddies with Rutte and his own party will be decimated in the upcoming election, so he needs a new job.
Hoekstra held commercial positions at Shell from 2002 to 2004
Literally a guy who worked for Shell for two years, two decades ago, when he was in his 20s.
This is a non-headline. Very poor form by the Guardian.