Opposition parties PVV, PvdA, GroenLinks, SP, DENK and Van Haga called the cabinet’s lack of ideas to repair purchasing power ‘shameless’, ‘unthinkable’ and ‘unacceptable’. Those parties were furious that the cabinet itself had not made any proposals to do anything about purchasing power.
Here’s how tonight’s debate went:
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Rutte started the debate by pointing out that very little was possible. Initially, he pointed out that there might still be something to try via the municipalities, but that most of the opposition’s proposals would encounter implementation problems. It would take too many staff to ensure that the money would end up in the right place.
middle finger
“How dare the cabinet come here empty-handed?” said SP leader Lilian Marijnissen. She called it “unacceptable” if nothing happens. “If the cabinet cannot do that, then they should make way for people who can.”
According to PVV leader Geert Wilders, the Chamber stands for ‘Piet Snot’ if the cabinet does not want to act. He speaks of ‘a middle finger’ from the Prime Minister to all people in the Netherlands.
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GroenLinks leader Jesse Klaver called it “shameless”. “If our proposal was not good enough, you should have come up with an alternative,” said PvdA leader Attje Kuiken. “That didn’t happen.”
‘Next year is too late’
“What we do here tonight makes the difference whether or not children can play football next year,” said Klaver, pointing to the contribution that will have to be paid again later. Kuiken: “Next year is simply too late for too many people.”
Rutte objected that more than 6 billion euros has already been allocated. He said he hopes that the energy surcharge of 800 euros can be increased through the municipalities. But according to the prime minister, it is ‘more sensible’ to make a decision about this in August. The cabinet will then have the latest figures from the Central Planning Bureau (CPB) on the financial situation of households.
amateur theatre
When party chairman of coalition partner CDA Pieter Heerma suggested that consultations with the municipalities be held as soon as possible and received support from coalition partner D66, Rutte immediately agreed.
It sparked laughter from the opposition. ‘Amateur theater’ Klaver called the alleged set-up between the coalition members. Opposition parties did say they are happy that something is happening for the lowest incomes. At the same time, they regret that nothing is being done for middle income earners, who also suffer from rising prices.
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‘First compensation for loss of purchasing power, then not and now it is again’
“There was no more rope to tie,” says political reporter Roel Schreinemachers. “Two weeks ago, the cabinet already seemed to be opening the door for extra compensation. Last Friday, a line was drawn through it. This afternoon something still seemed possible, but the cabinet said it would only be able to provide clarity about this in August. the opposition, which has been insisting for months that the compensation that has been given so far is not enough, is toxic, which has led to a firm commitment that the very lowest incomes will receive an additional 500 euros in energy allowance this year. For middle incomes, which the House of Representatives is also very concerned about, this offers no solace.”
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