Opposition parties SP, GroenLinks and PvdA want the cabinet to take immediate measures to absorb the effects of the rapidly rising energy prices due to the war in Ukraine. The three made this clear tonight in the debate on NPO Radio 1 in the run-up to the municipal elections on March 16.
The coalition parties, especially VVD and D66, understand that the cabinet needs a few more weeks to come up with a solution. Eight days ago, Russia invaded Ukraine, VVD and D66 emphasize. “The complexity of the world we live in has changed slightly,” said VVD party chairman Hermans. “You will have to help people,” said D66 party leader Paternotte. “We should not pretend that there is a difference of opinion now.”
The opposition parties PvdA, SP and GroenLinks believe that emergency measures are taking too long.
“The prices are going through the roof,” said SP party leader Marijnissen. She pointed, among other things, to the price of petrol that has been increasing in recent days due to the war in Ukraine. The left-wing parties fear that the energy bill will turn out even higher as a result of the war. Energy prices have already risen sharply in recent months, as have the costs of groceries.
emergency law
GroenLinks argues for a rapid implementation of the so-called Emergency Prices Act. In exceptional situations, a cabinet can freeze the maximum prices of goods. “Energy prices are 12 times higher than a year ago. That is unsustainable,” said GroenLinks party chairman Klaver.
The leader of coalition party ChristenUnie Gert-Jan Segers did not react negatively to this proposal. “It is impossible that we have to wait a long time. We have to take an extra step faster.”
The election debate also focused on the crisis situation in Ukraine. The various parties emphasized that the war on the fringes of Europe shows the importance of democracy and the right to vote. “Protecting democracy is now even more important,” said Sophie Hermans (VVD). PvdA frontwoman Ploumen hopes that more people will vote now, because the municipal level ultimately determines to a large extent what a street, village, city or neighborhood look like.
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