Jetten to invite opposition parties for budget talks, but resistance remains

THE HAGUE — Prime Minister Rob Jetten has announced that the Dutch government will invite several opposition parties for further talks on support for the 2027 budget. The move comes as the minority cabinet still lacks a clear path to a parliamentary majority.

Jetten said the government is seeking “broad support”, but has not yet clarified whether that will come through one overall agreement, cooperation with the left or right, or separate deals on individual budget areas.

Invitations are expected to go to Pro, 50Plus, Volt, ChristenUnie, SGP, JA21 and BBB.

Opposition reaction has been cool. Pro leader Jesse Klaver criticized the plan and argued that the coalition should first resolve its own divisions instead of reopening another round of negotiations with opposition parties.

During the debate, PVV leader Geert Wilders also confronted Jetten with anonymous criticism from ministers within his own cabinet, reportedly questioning his leadership. Jetten dismissed the criticism and said he remained proud of his team.

The central issue remains unchanged: after Prinsjesdag and the first day of the General Political Debate, the government still has no clear route to securing a majority for its budget.