The minority government has finalised next year’s budget, according to Finance Minister Eelco Heinen of the VVD. He said the main challenge now is securing broad parliamentary support.
“I have completed the puzzle on the substance of the budget,” Heinen said on Wednesday before a brief cabinet meeting on the plans.
The minister rejected reports of tensions among coalition parties D66, VVD and CDA over the budget. “I do not recognise that,” he said.
The government has been holding talks with opposition parties for some time in an effort to gain support. According to Heinen, that remains the most difficult part of the process.
“Of course, all interests are put on the table. Then they have to come together,” he said.
Opposition parties are skeptical
Opposition parties have expressed doubts about reaching a quick agreement. Following talks with the cabinet on Monday, Jesse Klaver of PRO said the process was “at a complete standstill”. JA21 and the SGP also said they were dissatisfied with the government’s proposals.
Prime Minister Rob Jetten said the discussions with opposition parties are focused mainly on how the plans will be financed, rather than how the money will be spent.
“The biggest discussion is, of course, about how to pay the bill,” Jetten said after the cabinet meeting. “As a cabinet, we are working hard to develop a strong proposal.”
Conversations with parliamentary group leaders
The cabinet is due to meet JA21 leader Joost Eerdmans on Wednesday. Jetten expects other opposition leaders to join talks in the coming days.
“I do not rule out the possibility that other parliamentary party leaders will also be invited in the coming days, hopefully to finalise the remaining details,” he said.
The budget must be submitted to the Council of State for advice on Monday. The government will then present it on Prinsjesdag, the third Tuesday of September.
The coalition can still present a budget before reaching an agreement with opposition parties. Heinen declined to comment on whether that would happen.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
