Rob Jetten seeks budget deal with opposition within one week

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten expressed hope to reach a budget agreement with opposition parties within one week. During the General Political Considerations, Jetten stated that achieving a deal in such a timeframe would be “fantastic.”

Jetten’s minority coalition, consisting of D66, VVD, and CDA, holds 66 seats in the House of Representatives, leaving them 10 seats short of a majority. The coalition also lacks a majority in the Senate. Jetten noted that in previous years, the national budget has been significantly adjusted following its presentation on Prinsjesdag, and suggested that schedules could be cleared to facilitate these negotiations.

Jesse Klaver, leader of the PRO party, criticized the Prime Minister’s approach, labeling the goal as “naive.” Klaver argued that as Prime Minister, Jetten is responsible for securing a majority rather than simply hoping for one. While the initial target is one week, Jetten indicated the deadline could potentially be extended to October if the House debates tax plans.