Dutch PM calls emergency talks after coalition split over tax reform plan
On November 13, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Yetten convened emergency talks with deputy prime ministers. The reason was the split in the ruling coalition because of the controversial plan.
On November 13, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Yetten convened emergency talks with deputy prime ministers. The reason was a split in the ruling coalition over a controversial tax reform plan. Two parties supported him in parliament over the categorical objections of a third party. It's reported by sb.by.
- We still have a lot of work to do inside the coalition, he said.
The Prime Minister said that the next morning he will hold an urgent meeting with Deputy Prime Ministers Dylan Yeshilguez-Zegerius and Bart van den Brink. They will discuss “how to move forward.”.
The crisis erupted after the vote on the tax plan for 2027. The lower house of parliament approved it with a minimum majority of 76 votes to 74. The debate lasted almost 12 hours.
The right-wing liberal People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (PPSD), part of the government, voted against it. Its coalition partners, the left-liberal Democrats 66 and the Christian Democratic Appeal, supported the opposition amendment. The amendment provides for an increase in the tax burden on wealthy citizens.
The head of the parliamentary faction of the NPSD, Ruben Breckelmans, called the situation “depressing”. However, he refused to immediately announce the possible withdrawal of the political force from the government.
- I am not going to make serious decisions two minutes after the vote, he said. He added that he would first consult within the party.
The leader of the Christian Democratic Appeal, Henry Bontenbal, acknowledged the need for serious discussion of further cooperation between the three parties. The head of the faction “Democrats-66” Jan Paternotte said that he expects to continue working with the right-wing liberals.
As NOS notes, the crisis is getting worse. The final adoption of the tax plan is not yet guaranteed. The lower house approved the document, but the parties that supported it do not have enough votes in the Senate. This will require additional arrangements with other political forces. The Netherlands began to prepare women for selection in special forces – the standards for both sexes will be the same
