Dutch Finance Minister Eelco Heinen emphasised ahead of the Cabinet meeting that a majority for the upcoming tax plan in the House of Representatives is within reach. While securing support in the Senate remains far less certain, Heinen insisted that the government is focusing on one step at a time: “First, there must be a vote in the House of Representatives.”
That vote is expected next Thursday. In the meantime, discussions continue between coalition and opposition leaders, who are attempting to shape the tax legislation through proposed amendments.
The Cabinet has consistently aimed for a broad majority across both houses of parliament, though that prospect currently looks distant. ChristenUnie, 50PLUS, and Groep Markuszower have all pledged their support for the package. Combined with the coalition’s backing, this secures 78 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives.
However, the PVV splinter group holds no seats in the Senate. Even with the backing of ChristenUnie and 50PLUS, the governing coalition—comprising D66, the VVD, and the CDA—will still need to win over at least 12 additional senators to pass the legislation.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
