This and last week, the cabinet went in search of support and solutions for the major budget problems Rutte IV has to contend with. The tour concluded on Tuesday afternoon with a visit to PVV leader Wilders. It was a ‘good conversation’, says Rutte afterwards. Just like after all the other conversations he had over the past few days. Wilders in turn tweeted afterwards that he had ‘friendly’ indicated that Rutte and Kaag ‘come from another planet’.
VIDEO: Prime Minister Rutte and Minister Kaag visit PVV leader Wilders to get support for the cabinet’s financial plans. Text continues below the video.
There was also little enthusiasm among other opposition groups. The left-wing bloc of PvdA and GL, which can help the coalition gain a majority in the Senate, complained aloud last week about the lack of plans, the attitude of the cabinet and the lack of interest in the left-wing proposals. JA21, also a major player in the senate, was more lenient, but announced that it was selling its skin dearly.
no deal
That calculation has already been made in the coalition: the wishes of the left and right are so expensive that a deal with the opposition does not seem to be possible. VVD, D66, CDA and CU are therefore again in coalition consultation on Tuesday evening. For an afterthought of the begging journey, but also to at least complete the Spring Memorandum, the repair of the budget of the current year, within their own ranks. Another session may follow on Thursday, Friday the cabinet wants to give it a blow, Rutte said on Tuesday afternoon.
Not all major (financial) problems will be solved by then. Issues such as linking state pension to an increase in the minimum wage or further purchasing power repairs will probably remain on the shelf for a while towards Budget Day, when the budget for next year is put together. For example, to compensate the first savings tax victims, money is already needed this year.