The Dutch government is still negotiating adjustments to the Ministry of Education’s budget, with no agreement reached yet. The vote in the House of Representatives, initially scheduled for today, has been postponed.
The cabinet proposed a 2 billion euro cut in education spending on Prinsjesdag, which faces opposition. The coalition parties—PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB—lack a Senate majority and need opposition support.
Talks were held with D66, CDA, ChristenUnie, SGP, and JA21. D66 pulled out, despite progress like removing the ‘long study penalty,’ due to insufficient room for improvements in teacher salaries and funding for vocational education and young researchers.
The other four parties continue discussions. Both PVV leader Wilders and CDA leader Bontenbal expressed enough confidence to proceed.
If a deal is struck with these parties, it should secure sufficient Senate seats. Reportedly, there’s broad agreement on reversing about 700 million euros of cuts, including maintaining civic service time, reducing cuts in scientific research, and increasing salaries for teachers in the Randstad.
Discussions about funding continue. The vote has been moved to next Thursday, affecting not just education but all budgets, as reversing cuts might impact other ministries.
GroenLinks-PvdA MP Klaver proposed a debate on changes before the vote, but the coalition parties are not currently in favor.
Source: NOS