Leaders of the Dutch coalition reach budget agreement after 25 hours of negotiations
After exhausting 25-hour debates, the ruling coalition parties of the Netherlands agreed on key measures: scrapping the VAT increase, reducing the energy tax, and increasing housing benefits.
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On Wednesday, April 16, after more than 25 hours of continuous negotiations, the leaders of the Dutch parties PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB reached an agreement on the national budget, reported Geert Wilders.
The agreement includes canceling the previously discussed VAT increase, lowering the energy tax rate, and increasing housing subsidies.
Despite the lack of specific information on how the initiatives will be funded, Finance Minister from VVD Eelco Heinen assured that all measures will be covered without increasing national debt.
Some issues have been postponed. According to Geert Wilders (PVV), the negotiations were intense, especially in the last 48 hours. “We are at our limit, but satisfied with the result,” he noted. Party leaders applauded the end of the difficult discussions.
As part of the approved spring budget memorandum, the Dutch government allocated major investments to key sectors. €1.9 billion will go towards the construction of the Neder-Saxon railway line, €375 million — for expanding the Kornwerderzand lock, and €115 million — for the development of the N36 highway, reported Caroline van der Plas.
An additional €100 million is allocated to eliminate bottlenecks in the Meppel area. Farmers will receive €600 million in 2025–2026, and widows from the former Dutch East Indies will get €50 million in compensation. Excise duties will not be increased.
It also became known that the Dutch authorities will temporarily reinstate border control to strengthen measures against illegal migration and reduce the number of unlawful border crossings.