Tax plan would raise income tax and cut petrol duty

Prime Minister Jetten said at his weekly press conference that talks with opposition parties on the tax plan will continue in the coming days. "I still genuinely see a chance," he said. He made clear he will not back down on nitrogen or abortion.

Why it matters

• The cabinet wants to raise income tax and has included measures in the tax plan to boost purchasing power.
• The plan also proposes a higher drinking water tax and a lower petrol duty.
• Without a majority, the measures that leave people with more money fall too, Jetten says, including the lower fuel duty.

On purchasing power and a number of very specific schemes, "we are now almost there", Jetten said. He made clear that some "immaterial" demands of the right-wing bloc are not up for discussion. He warned the opposition that if the plan fails, the cut in fuel duty goes with it: "Good luck explaining why fuel duty at the pump isn't coming down."

JA21, SGP and BBB have made changes to the nitrogen plans and abortion policy a firm condition for backing the minority cabinet. Pro and Volt want lower income tax and more tax on wealth, and have seen no movement from the cabinet so far.

Agriculture Minister Van Essen's nitrogen plans were due to be presented today, but the presentation was called off at the last moment. It is now scheduled for next week.

What happens next

• Tomorrow: the cabinet talks with ChristenUnie and 50plus at the Catshuis, the prime minister's official residence; cabinet leaders video-call JA21, BBB and SGP.
• By Tuesday: the cabinet wants to send the tax plan to the Tweede Kamer.
• The following week: the Kamer is to vote on it.