nuOct 27, 2026, 20:59

No deal in sight with opposition: 'Fear that we will end up in the gravel pit'

The Dutch minority cabinet is struggling to reach an agreement with opposition parties to secure a majority for its tax plan and budget. Key issues include demands for major changes to nitrogen policy and asylum regulations, with political leaders warning that failure to reach a deal could lead to a legislative stalemate.

The Dutch cabinet is currently engaged in complex negotiations with opposition parties to secure support for its upcoming tax plan and budget. BBB leader Henk Vermeer indicated that while there is progress on tax issues, the cabinet has not yet met demands regarding nitrogen policy, which is essential for the party's backing in the Senate. Other parties like JA21 and SGP have also linked their support to specific conditions concerning asylum law and social policies, complicating the path toward a stable majority for the minority government led by Prime Minister Rob Jetten.

Time is pressing as the government aims to submit an adjusted tax plan to Parliament by next Monday ahead of a November 12 vote. While the cabinet explores potential agreements on the right, some political leaders express concerns that negotiations may fail, potentially leading to a political deadlock. Alternatively, the cabinet is considering support from left-wing parties like PRO and Volt, who are pushing for tax reforms that target the wealthy, though a final decision on this political direction remains pending.

Politics Economy Netherlands

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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