adAug 30, 2026, 16:40

Budget talks head into the evening as time runs out

Coalition parties D66, VVD, and CDA are in urgent negotiations to finalize the national budget before the Monday deadline. The government is struggling to reconcile internal disagreements while simultaneously building a parliamentary majority to ensure the budget's passage.

Leaders from the Dutch coalition parties D66, VVD, and CDA have been engaged in intensive budget negotiations at the Ministry of Finance since Sunday morning. With the official deadline to submit the budget to the Council of State fast approaching on September 1, the parties are racing to finalize a proposal that can secure a parliamentary majority. The ongoing discussions involve high-stakes debates over complex issues such as box 3 wealth tax, purchasing power, and defense spending, while also attempting to craft a political strategy to win support from opposition parties.

The current minority coalition has struggled to reach a consensus, causing delays in their initial plans to secure broader backing earlier in the week. While the parties are working to incorporate various political demands, they face significant hurdles regarding the funding of these measures, including debates over potential tax increases. Minister of Finance Eelco Heinen is working with party leaders to refine the budget, which must be approved by the Council of Ministers by Monday to meet legal requirements.

Politics Economy Netherlands

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Based on reporting by ad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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