Regierung in der Krise: Niederlande: Regierungskrise eskaliert

The crisis in the Dutch minority government has intensified further. The collapse of the three-party alliance, which lasted only slightly over nine months, now appears inevitable, after the coalition parties failed to agree on the contentious tax reform. Two coalition parties voted in favor of introducing a "millionaire's tax," against the declared resistance of the right-liberal VVD.

Consequently, the VVD announced it would now discuss further cooperation. "Today's events are shocking," said VVD faction leader Ruben Brekelmans. Left-liberal Prime Minister Rob Jetten hopes for the continuation of the coalition and a fresh start. He acknowledged that relations between the three parties were not simple, but he aimed to promote a "serious fresh start."

The serious government crisis stemmed from a long-planned tax reform. The minority government had been unable to gain a majority for it. On Wednesday, the left-liberal D66 and the Christian-democratic CDA reached a compromise with the pro-left opposition party Pro. This includes the additional taxation of high-wealth residents, the so-called "millionaire's tax."

However, this went too far for the right-liberal VVD, which threatened to end the coalition. The parliament then voted with a narrow majority in favor of the "millionaire's tax," with the support of the coalition parties D66 and CDA. The VVD subsequently withdrew its support for the entire tax reform. This reform was adopted by a one-vote majority.

What this means for the future of the coalition is unclear. The three-party alliance under Jetten was formed just over nine months ago, but it has lacked a majority in both chambers of parliament.