Dutch cabinet drops 2026 benefit cuts from revised budget

PRO leader Jesse Klaver said he had seen willingness from the Dutch minority cabinet, for the first time, to scrap planned social security cuts affecting the WW unemployment scheme and WIA disability benefits. He spoke after meeting Prime Minister Rob Jetten and Finance Minister Eelco Heinen alongside Volt’s Laurens Dassen. [1]

Klaver said differences over wealth taxation and the wider tax plan remained substantial. He said the cabinet had not yet made the choice he wanted on tax policy. His comments concerned the cabinet’s willingness to drop the cuts, rather than a decision to withdraw them. [1]

Dassen said he wanted more investment in artificial intelligence and action on climate change, alongside fairer taxes for wealthy people and workers. Support from PRO and Volt would give the minority cabinet a majority in both chambers of parliament. [1]

Update

Dutch trade union organisations FNV, CNV and VCP have suspended strikes and protests against proposed social security cuts. The unions said they were pleased because the cabinet had dropped the planned measures. [2]

They are also willing to resume talks with the government about the future of the social safety net. [2]

The unions had previously demanded that the government abandon proposed savings, including changes to unemployment and disability benefits. [2]

Update

The Dutch cabinet has removed planned 2026 cuts to disability and unemployment benefits from its revised budget proposal, ANP reports. [3]

It wants to reach a social agreement with employers and trade unions on reforming those benefits. [3]