Tax plan lacks majority as cabinet opens talks with opposition

The cabinet's tax plan (belastingplan) cannot for now count on a majority in the Tweede Kamer. This week the cabinet is meeting several opposition parties to hear their conditions for support, with JA21 on Monday evening. Asylum minister and CDA deputy prime minister Bart van den Brink will join that meeting.

Opposition parties on both sides want the tax burden spread differently. The left wants less tax for working people and more for the wealthy. Right-wing parties also want lower taxes for workers, but tie other topics to their support. BBB wants a radically different nitrogen policy, and the SGP has demands on medical-ethical issues.

The state secretary, from D66, is coming to the debate with an adjusted plan. That has irritated opposition MPs. “It would be useful to know what the latest version is,” said Luc Stultiens of PRO.

Jimmy Dijk (SP) wants the state secretary to still assess the suggestions from MPs. “Otherwise this becomes a debate about nothing,” he said. JA21 MP Michiel Hoogeveen asked whether the state secretary will defend “a dead letter”, or show that the cabinet has decided to revise the plan on several points.

The state secretary confirmed he cannot yet give a concrete answer on the big question of what is needed for support, because talks are still planned.