Dutch coalition tensions escalate over tax deal excluding VVD

THE HAGUE — Tensions within the Dutch governing coalition of D66, VVD and CDA have intensified after D66 and CDA reached a tax agreement with opposition parties Pro and Volt without directly involving their coalition partner VVD.

Following negotiations lasting until 3 a.m., D66, CDA and Pro reached a compromise proposing €1 billion in additional taxes on wealthy individuals, alongside €1 billion in tax reductions for ordinary income earners.

VVD leader Dilan Yesilgöz and parliamentary group leader Ruben Brekelmans were informed only after the agreement had been reached. According to individuals involved, the news was poorly received, prompting emergency consultations within the VVD leadership.

D66 and CDA acknowledge that the arrangement could seriously damage coalition relations but argue that the compromise was necessary to prevent the tax plan from collapsing.

“This leaves scars,” one person involved in the negotiations said.

The dispute also puts pressure on Prime Minister Rob Jetten's government. During the upcoming parliamentary debate, Jetten is expected to face difficult questions about the coalition's stability and the future of his cabinet.