The leaders of the three coalition parties resumed talks on next year’s budget at the Ministry of Finance at 10:00 on Sunday. Prime Minister Rob Jetten (D66), Dilan Yeşilgöz (VVD) and Henri Bontenbal (CDA) are seeking agreement on the government’s policy direction.
A key issue is which opposition parties the coalition should work with. D66 and the CDA do not want to rule out cooperation with the largest opposition party, PRO, a position also supported by parties such as the ChristenUnie. That decision could have a major impact on government policy. PRO has made it clear that it will only cooperate if the proposed multi-billion-euro cuts to social security are dropped.
The coalition could instead seek support from the right by working with JA21 and the SGP in the House of Representatives. However, that option would leave it well short of a majority in the Senate. With PRO’s backing, the coalition would come close to securing a majority there. Both PRO and JA21 have been urging the cabinet to decide for some time.
Nothing lost
Speaking on Friday, Jetten acknowledged that disagreements sometimes arise between the coalition partners. He said this was understandable because the parties differ fundamentally on some policy solutions. According to Jetten, most of the budget has already been agreed. However, negotiations are continuing on social security and the Box 3 wealth tax.
The talks paused late on Sunday afternoon while civil servants calculated the financial impact of several proposals. Yeşilgöz declined to discuss the substance of the negotiations when approached by journalists, saying only that the talks were progressing well.
The budget documents must be submitted to the Council of State by Tuesday. Finance Minister Eelco Heinen (VVD) and Deputy Prime Minister Bart van den Brink (CDA) were also due to take part in Sunday’s discussions.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
