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The debate suddenly became very political when BBB leader Van der Plas put forward her proposal to increase the minimum wage. The rest of the House finds it sympathetic, but they lack coverage. This strikes a sensitive chord, because many other parties have recently been upset by it BBB Elections Program. This will lead to tens of billions in additional government expenditures Without looking for cover for her.

CDA leader Pontenball was the first to respond: “This way I can also make proposals worth $10 billion or something like that.” Van der Plas thinks this is weak. She believes that it is not her responsibility to look for cover, but rather the responsibility of the Council of Ministers.

“It doesn’t work that way.”‘, He says Pontenball: The Cabinet proposal is the budget memorandum. This is their suggestion. If we wanted to spend the money another way, we would look for cover. Otherwise your move is simply not a serious move.

GroenLinks leader Klaver agrees: “Make a suggestion for coverage and we can discuss it.” But we can’t spend all we want and also cut taxes. This is free beer.‘

Consultants and consulting
In the face of this challenge, Van der Plas says she believes the government can find money by saving on the costs of hiring consultants and consulting firms. ‘Why do we always have to take cover? Why can’t we expect the government to indicate how it wants to do things in our proposals?

Clavier: “Because your job as a member of parliament is to indicate how you want to pay for it.”

VVD faction leader Hermanns agrees. “We are making additional proposals here to the government’s proposal. Then the responsibility for the budget falls on us. Ultimately, policy is a choice in the face of scarcity. This is not always fun, but it has to be done,” Van der Plas advises, amending her proposal.

And he doesn’t think about it: “I’m also honest with the voter.” I just mentioned where I can see the coverage. With consultants. Other parties raise taxes on companies, which they then pass on to consumers. Is this fair to the voter?

Saint Nicholas
D66 leader Paternot believes Van der Plas is playing for Sinterklaas. “The BBB has very good wishes in the election manifesto for an additional €35 billion a year. Without a cap. Wouldn’t it be a good idea if you indicated how you would pay for all this?”

Van der Plas answers that she wants to do politics in a different way. For this reason its program was not calculated by the Central Planning Office. He will calculate the cost of it all, but no calculation is ever made as to what it will result in. For example, if you provide good oral care, you will prevent a lot of misery in the long run and other health care costs will be reduced.

The rest of the House is leaving it at that, but Van der Plas already knows which way the winds in the campaign will blow.

By the way, Van der Plas is partially achieving her goal: the minimum wage will increase next year by 1.7 percent. But not at the suggestion of Van der Plas, but at the suggestion of trade union leader Becker, with the support of a large parliamentary majority. Baker is looking for cover in case corporate and bank taxes increase.

Raoul du Pré