Prime Minister Mark Rutte is being tackled harshly in the House of Representatives about a support measure for companies, for which the cabinet is earmarking 2 billion euros. The left-wing opposition wonders whether this ‘gift’ will create more jobs, as Rutte expects. “It is completely unclear where this will end up,” says Lilian Marijnissen (SP).
According to the left-wing parties, the Job-related Investment Discount (BIK) is used by VVD Prime Minister Rutte to please companies. “The economy is undergoing a huge blow, because we all spend less together,” Rutte defends the tax benefit for companies. “That is why we have to ensure that the economy remains afloat. You also do this by maintaining a somewhat acceptable investment climate for companies. ”
GroenLinks leader Jesse Klaver wants the ‘gift’ for companies to be deleted immediately. “This measure is totally unfocused and seems totally ineffective,” says PvdA leader Lodewijk Asscher. He wants to know how many jobs the BIK creates. “Why should I support this plan?” According to Rutte, it is not possible to say exactly how many jobs will be added.
The government party ChristenUnie also questions the tax measure. “Which companies exactly are being helped with this?” CU leader Gert-Jan Segers wants to know. Only on 5 October will the cabinet provide more information about the – already controversial – plan.
Coronatesten
Rutte has been debating with the House of Representatives about the Cabinet’s Budget Day plans since 10.45 a.m. On day 2 of the General Political Reflections, he has to defend himself against strong criticism of the cabinet’s corona policy. People sometimes have to wait days for a corona test. Rutte acknowledges that things are not going well. “We are working hard to expand the capacity,” he says.
The prime minister points out that there are still Dutch people who get tested without having any complaints. That comment is wrong in the Chamber. “It’s not an outing,” responds D66 party chairman Rob Jetten. “People get tested because they are concerned about their own health or the health of others.” According to SP leader Lilian Marijnissen, ‘the cabinet is losing control’. PvdA leader Lodewijk Asscher believes that Rutte should not point to others. “I am always responsible,” the prime minister responds.
According to Rutte, 1 billion euros has been earmarked in the health care budget for upscaling the test capacity, but if more is needed, that is also possible. “When it comes to the medical side of corona, money is not an issue,” said the prime minister. “Really never.”
Regional measures
The House of Representatives is concerned about the recent increase in the number of infections. Friday the cabinet will come up with new, regional coronamaatregelen. Rutte does not want to say what those measures are exactly. The ruling party CDA thinks it will take a long time before action is taken. “Everyone is wondering: how long will this take and when will our life return to normal?” Said the prime minister. “I don’t have all the answers either. There is still fog, both in terms of the virus and in terms of the economy. ”
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