The Netherlands’ minority coalition is under severe strain after two of its three members struck a deal with opposition parties to secure support for a contentious tax plan.
Ahead of a debate and vote Thursday, the centrist D66 party, led by Prime Minister Rob Jetten, and the center-right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) agreed with progressive opposition parties PRO and Volt to shift about €1 billion in tax from wealth to income. The deal reflects a key demand from PRO, the largest opposition party. The agreement has left the coalition’s third party, the center-right VVD, on the sidelines.
On Wednesday evening, VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz said she was surprised by the deal, which she called “bad for the Netherlands” and said “goes against the coalition agreement.” She threatened to reconsider cooperation with her coalition partners.