Dutch government revises tax plan to win opposition support

The Dutch government is increasing investment in purchasing power and security in a bid to win opposition support for its tax plan, Prime Minister Rob Jetten said on Tuesday. The revised package was formally approved at an extra cabinet meeting, but the government has not secured guaranteed backing in either house of parliament.

Jetten said the plan now included elements that could appeal to both left- and right-wing parties. He highlighted measures to restore purchasing power and improve support for people with chronic illnesses, alongside cuts to fuel duties.

The cabinet hopes the changes will help secure enough votes in the House of Representatives and Senate. Jetten said it had held intensive talks, particularly with the Christian Union and 50PLUS, but still lacked sufficient support in the lower house. It is also looking to the Group Markuszower, a breakaway faction from the far-right PVV; cooperation with that group is controversial within Jetten’s D66 party.

Opposition support will be tested in a parliamentary debate on Wednesday. The government plans to publish the detailed tax proposals later on Tuesday, so the precise changes and their costs were not yet clear.

This is the third revision of the tax plan. Jetten said the cabinet would continue listening to opposition proposals during the debate process, which is expected to run for the next week and a half.