THE HAGUE - King Willem-Alexander’s Budget Day speech focused a lot on the main concerns of Netherlands residents - protecting their livelihoods. He also stressed the necessity to work together and find each other in an increasingly polarizing time, increase Defense spending, given the major international changes, promised continued support for Ukraine, and said that the Netherlands would work with international partners to push for a ceasefire in Gaza.
“At the start of this parliamentary year, the reach of government policy is limited even more than usual to what is permitted by parliament,” King Willem-Alexander started his annual Speech from the Throne, referring to the fact that the remaining coalition parties in the caretaker Cabinet hold only 32 seats in parliament. “At the same time, we cannot simply press ‘pause’ on people’s day-to-day concerns about work, communities, and housing.”
The government must ensure a safe and healthy living environment with access to housing and healthcare. But we’re also living in a time of major international changes. “Eighty years after the liberation of our country, peace and security are once again pressing issues,” the King said, referring to the recent NATO summit and the promise to increase defense spending.
The King also warned against polarization in society. Online, in education, and in national politics, people are increasingly pitted against each other. According to the King, the government needs to close this gap. Because in a democracy includes “having the willingness to see beyond our differences and the maturity to reach out to each other.”
In the coming year, the Dutch government will mainly focus on pushing through what has been set in motion in the past year, the King said. Firstly, it will finalize the immigration legislation to get a handle on migration, the King said. “Getting a handle on migration is one of the biggest concerns in the country, and the issue remains urgent.”
Recovery operations, such as for Groningen earthquake damage and the benefits scandal, among others, will remain a top priority so that victims can be quickly compensated. Money has been set aside to increase safety at train stations, create more shelters for women in abusive relationships, and tackle femicide. The government wants to build more homes and has designated four locations for large-scale housing construction, as well as countless smaller locations.
“The foundation of a future with good public services for all remains a strong economy and a sound government budget,” the King said. He listed some plus sides, such as low unemployment, lower poverty levels, and rising purchasing power. On the downside, the national budget deficit level is reaching its limits, and the current economic growth is too low to maintain the level of the Netherlands’ public services. That’s another reason to invest in the business climate, the King said.
He finally discussed the two wars in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip. The Nehterlands will continue to support Ukraine and will work “with international partners” to push for a ceasefire in Gaza.
