Prince Bernhard is not satisfied with a plan in the PvdA election program. The program mentions a ‘Prins Bernhard’ tax, intended to tackle pawnbrokers and thus make the housing market more accessible to starters, among others. That the plan bears his name is against the sore leg of the prince, reports De Telegraaf.
“I find it strange that a political party uses my name in its program”, Bernhard told De Telegraaf. His business partner Menno de Jong fiercely argued against the party in an e-mail, the newspaper writes. According to De Jong, there is talk of “populist opportunism” and Bernard’s name is only used because he is a member of the royal family.
The PvdA wants investors who own more than five houses to pay more tax. Their rental income and capital gains must be assessed through income tax. The party also wants to make it possible for municipalities to impose a housing requirement.
Bernhard, son of Princess Margriet and Pieter van Vollenhoven, owns about 600 properties in the Netherlands privately and through various companies. In addition to homes, these are also office buildings and shopping centers. He is also co-owner of the circuit in Zandvoort.
Transformed office buildings
De Jong believes that his activities with Bernhard are not a good example of what the party is fighting against. They would not have bought any new properties since 2006.
In addition, all homes were already rented out when they were purchased and so there is no question of withdrawal from the housing market, the duo say. Their investments would have resulted in the addition of 1000 homes in Amsterdam by transforming office space into housing.
Demonisering
There is talk of demonization, De Jong writes to the PvdA. He thinks this “contributes to a negative image of an individual and this affects his personal safety, I have personally witnessed this”.
The PvdA says it will not change the name of the plan. De Jong’s e-mails would threaten legal action. Member of Parliament Henk Nijboer says via Twitter that he will not let himself be put under pressure in this way.
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