The left-wing opposition parties SP and the Party for the Animals (PvdD) have joined GroenLinks-PvdA in demanding that oil companies contribute from their excess profits. These profits stem from high oil and gas prices. The parties argue that this money should compensate households for the sharp rise in fuel costs at the pump.
During a parliamentary debate on the economic impact of the conflict in the Middle East, SP leader Jimmy Dijk labelled large energy companies “crisis profiteers.” Consequently, he is calling for an extensive support package to protect citizens against the high inflation predicted by experts. According to the SP, the energy sector should cover the costs of this package.
Dijk intends to lower fuel prices by reducing excise duties. Furthermore, he supports the GroenLinks-PvdA proposal to introduce maximum fuel prices based on the Belgian model. The SP is pushing for immediate action, with Dijk repeatedly asking what the cabinet is waiting for.
Christine Teunissen of the PvdD also believes that oil companies should be taxed to cover government support for households. Additionally, her party is urging for more measures to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Meanwhile, DENK MP Ismail el Abassi urged the cabinet to act quickly, though he did not specify which measures his party supports. He argued that the cabinet’s plan to “monitor” the situation is insufficient. He noted that people cannot simply monitor their groceries; they have to pay for them.
Finally, Volt leader Laurens Dassen suggested a social energy tariff for vulnerable groups. This would function as an automatic price cap for those earning less than 130 percent of the social minimum. He also proposed lowering income tax for middle-income earners.
@ anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
