The striking plan stirred up a lot two months ago. Critics argued that it could disrupt families and claimed that it is actually good for a young person to start out ‘poor’. Others thought 10,000 euros starting money was not high enough for every 18-year-old.
Tinkering
In recent weeks, GroenLinks has worked on the plan together with the youth department. While the youngsters were initially free to spend the money, the new version will have conditions for the first five years. The starting capital may only be used for tuition fees, tuition fees or study costs.
From the age of 23, when many young people leave home, they are free to spend the money.
‘Made better’
GroenLinks leader Jesse Klaver explains: “Young people indicated that 18 years old is sometimes too young to make wise choices and that at this age it can put too much pressure on families with a debt problem.”
The plan that caused controversy, according to him, has been ‘made better’. The start-up capital is funded by millionaires. They have to pay 1 percent extra tax on their assets annually. Multi-millionaires 2 percent.
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Important theme
Young people and their future is an important theme for GroenLinks in the coming period. “In the past decade, insecurity and inequality among young people have increased,” says Klaver.
The party therefore wants to promote equal opportunities for young people. Klaver: “With our plan for a start-up capital, we have put growing equity on the map. An increasing number of people are finding that your chances in the Netherlands are also determined by where you were born, what your parents earn and whether you will study. “
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