D66

Eindhoven’s international community will have the chance to question local politicians at a dedicated English-language debate this evening. The event at city hall aims to help voters navigate key issues like housing and integration ahead of the upcoming elections.

The D66 party is under fire for supporting budget cuts that target disability and long-term illness benefits. Although the party claims it wants to protect the vulnerable, it has not explained how reduced funding will improve a struggling assessment system. Opposition parties have condemned the move as a direct financial attack on citizens who cannot work.

The D66, VVD, and CDA coalition plans to raise an additional €5 billion by increasing income tax rates, offsetting a shortfall in healthcare funding. While households and businesses will save a combined €7.3 billion on health insurance premiums, the government will recover these costs by raising the first two income tax brackets by 0.93 percentage points by 2030.

The D66 party has named 41-year-old Eelco Eerenberg as the new State Secretary for Finance. The appointment follows the withdrawal of Nathalie van Berkel, who stood down after inaccuracies were discovered in her CV. Eerenberg, currently an alderman in Utrecht, brings extensive experience in local government and finance, having previously served as a councillor and administrator in Enschede.

Dutch coalition plans to link the state pension age directly to life expectancy are expected to drive up occupational incapacity claims among older workers. While the move is intended to save billions of euros by 2060, experts warn that many people over 60 may struggle to stay in the workforce.

D66 nominates Rianne Letschert and Hans Vijlbrief for key ministerial posts, with further cabinet roles to be announced later.