Tweede Kamer lacks will to work with the left, says Pro leader Jesse Klaver

The Netherlands’ minority Cabinet is still searching for a majority in both chambers of parliament for its tax plan. Pro leader Jesse Klaver warned that the tax plan could reach the Tweede Kamer on Wednesday without a majority.

Klaver said the Cabinet is distancing itself from his party and from Volt. “The political will to work with us is simply not there,” Klaver said after a meeting Saturday at the Cathuis, the prime minister’s official residence.

“It will be difficult to reach an agreement before the tax plan is before the Kamer,” Klaver said. The Cabinet is seeking a solution for the wealth tax in Box 3 by lowering rates in Box 2. That would generate short-term revenue but is expected to cost billions over the longer term.

Volt leader Laurens Dassen called the approach “a move in the opposite direction.” “It is unclear what the Cabinet is doing right now, but they do not want to make deals with us,” Dassen said.

Klaver said he wants change, “but not more money for the wealthy,” and added that his party will now introduce its own proposals in the Kamer. He said he is willing to meet again before Wednesday but has little expectation of success. “If the political will isn't there, it won’t succeed.”