Dutch opposition accepts infrastructure cuts but calls for more investment

Opposition parties in the Netherlands broadly understand the government’s decision to pause some road, rail and waterway expansion projects to free up money for infrastructure maintenance. But they say the choice exposes a shortage of funding for new investment.

The projects have been put on hold for now, according to ANP. In a parliamentary debate on the Infrastructure and Water Management budget, Christian Union MP Pieter Grinwis praised the government for making difficult choices amid scarcity, while warning that it was “almost only concerned with maintaining and replacing what already exists”.

Hidde Heutink, of the Group Markuszower, has proposed spending an additional €5bn a year on infrastructure. He wants the Netherlands to use European rules that allow greater borrowing for defence-related expenditure.