There is now a broad parliamentary majority in favor of a so-called solidarity levy on companies that profit from the high energy prices, such as energy companies and oil companies. The cabinet must investigate whether such an extra tax is possible for some companies.
“I think a solidarity levy is an interesting idea,” said VVD party leader Sophie Hermans on Wednesday during the debate on the spring memorandum in the House of Representatives. Coalition members D66 and CDA also called it an interesting and sympathetic idea.
Before the debate, ChristenUnie called on the cabinet to investigate what legislation is needed to introduce a “targeted tax”.
The idea is not new. In March, Volt and the Party for the Animals filed a motion to introduce such a tax for fossil fuel companies. The proceeds should go to the households that are most affected by the ever-increasing energy costs.
PvdA and GroenLinks had worked out something similar. The parties are all thinking of a higher, additional tax of 25 percent on profits.
In the spring there was still no majority in favor of the plan. Not only the coalition parties, but also opposition parties such as PVV, SGP and JA21 were against it at the time.
VVD does not want measures at the expense of the business climate
The VVD, however, did not hesitate and wants to know what the possible effects are on the business climate in the Netherlands. “The economy must continue to run,” Hermans said.
A large part of the opposition wants the cabinet to allocate extra money this year to compensate the most vulnerable households for the prices that continue to rise as a result of the war in Ukraine.
“What are we going to do at this point? Only investigating a solidarity levy is not enough,” said PvdA party leader Attje Kuiken. Together with GroenLinks, she argues for, among other things, an extra energy surcharge of 500 euros and the freezing of rents.
Hermans shows ‘free compassion’ according to GroenLinks
Hermans showed himself to be benevolent and is considering going even deeper into his pockets to do “something extra” for people who are experiencing financial difficulties. “I feel the urgency enormously.”
GroenLinks leader called this “free compassion” from Hermans. “You negotiated the spring bill. There you should have discussed the question of which buttons we can turn.”
The cabinet has earmarked a total of 6.4 billion euros to ease the pain of high inflation. An energy surcharge has been introduced for people with a low income, the VAT on the energy bill has been reduced and the excise duty on fuel has been reduced.
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