The cabinet is not prepared to take “steps back” in tackling the protracted nitrogen crisis or on “key milestones for women’s rights”, Prime Minister Rob Jetten stated during the weekly press conference following the Cabinet meeting.
In negotiations over support for the minority government’s tax plan, right-wing parties JA21, BBB, and SGP have tabled non-fiscal demands. The BBB wants nitrogen reduction targets significantly softened for farmers, while the SGP is seeking to halt legislation related to abortion and surrogacy.
Talks with opposition parties will continue in the coming days, Jetten confirmed, though he declined to specify which parties would be invited or when. While ruling out no one in advance, he made it clear that certain “non-material” demands from the right-wing bloc are non-negotiable.
Jetten once again expressed frustration at opposition parties linking unrelated policy issues to their support for the budget.
“Every party is free to bring whatever they like to the table,” the Prime Minister remarked, before issuing a warning should they choose to reject the tax plan: “Good luck explaining why fuel duties at the pump aren’t coming down, why hauliers are saddled with a heavy levy next year, or why housing associations receive less tax relief.”
The House of Representatives is scheduled to debate the tax plan on Wednesday. Jetten added: “As a cabinet, we feel it is proper to inform the House of the outcome of these talks no later than Tuesday.”
The Prime Minister remains committed to securing a broad majority of at least 100 out of 150 MPs when the tax plan goes to a vote in two weeks’ time, though he conceded that reaching agreement “will not be easy”.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
