The coalition parties have reached an agreement with four opposition parties to reduce the planned education budget cuts. After weeks of discussions, they have also agreed on alternative cuts in other ministries to finance the relief measures.
This agreement almost guarantees a majority for the cabinet’s plans in the Senate. Details of the deal have not been disclosed.
Last week, parties including PVV, VVD, NSC, BBB, CDA, SGP, ChristenUnie, and JA21 agreed to cut approximately 700 million euros from the proposed two billion euro education cuts. They agreed not to implement the long-study penalty and to maintain national service time.
Recent negotiations over financial coverage were initially difficult. CDA leader Bontenbal stated yesterday that today would be decisive.
According to insiders, coalition parties made a new offer this morning that was more acceptable to the opposition. With this agreement, the House of Representatives could vote tomorrow on the entire Schoof cabinet’s 2025 budgets.
The Senate must also approve the plans. The cabinet lacks an automatic majority there, but this deal with four opposition parties almost certainly resolves that issue.
Source: NOS