Government seeks right-wing support for box 3
Prime Minister Jetten keeps the precise funding secret while opposition parties are briefed this weekend.
The government is seeking support for a new budget proposal that also adjusts box 3 and social security. Prime Minister Rob Jetten says both left-wing and right-wing opposition parties will receive an attractive offer, but specific amounts and measures are not yet known.
The coalition of D66, VVD and CDA presented an amended proposal on Friday after the Council of Ministers meeting. Jetten said the package would affect purchasing power, social security and the tax on income from assets, known as the box 3 tax.
The talks are necessary because the government needs support outside the coalition in both chambers. Jetten and Finance Minister Eelco Heinen will speak with opposition parties over the coming days. BBB, with which Jetten previously did not want to negotiate after the party backed a motion of no confidence, is also back in the picture.
The government remains tight-lipped about the contents. Jetten said there are possibilities for a good proposal on box 3, but did not disclose exactly how the tax would change or how any shortfall would be covered.
In an earlier budget variant, Heinen wanted to cover part of the bill through higher taxation on labour. This met resistance from parties that believe additional revenue should come from assets instead. The new negotiations appear to be pushing that division into the background, but there is no agreement yet.
The talks mark a new phase in an issue that has divided the coalition for weeks. The VVD generally stresses the importance of a predictable tax system and an attractive investment climate. D66 and CDA are seeking more room to give the budget broader political backing.
Social security also remains part of the package. The government has previously indicated that it is prepared to reverse most of the earlier cuts. According to Jetten, the precise combination of box 3, purchasing-power measures and other budget items must first be discussed with the opposition.
The financial debates in the Lower House (Tweede Kamer) begin next week. Before then, it must become clear whether the talks will result in sufficient support or merely in new proposals. Until then, the direction of the compromise and the political relationships between the parties are visible above all, not the final bill.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The government needs support from opposition parties.
- Box 3, social security and purchasing power are part of the negotiations.
- The final amounts and funding are not yet known.
Left
Arguments The budget should not place the bill on workers and benefit recipients if more assets can be taxed.
Values Redistribution, social security and protecting lower incomes.
Consequences An agreement could gain broader social support if cuts are reversed, but higher charges on assets could affect investment and saving behaviour.
Centre
Arguments The government must find a legally sound and affordable combination that several parties can support.
Values Budgetary discipline, feasibility and political stability.
Consequences A compromise would prevent a budget crisis, but could lead to a complicated package in which nobody gets everything they want.
Right
Arguments The government should be cautious about new charges on assets and focus above all on safeguarding spending and incentives to work.
Values Property, economic growth and responsibility for public finances.
Consequences Lower tax pressure could support investment, but without additional funding, social provisions or government debt could come under pressure.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The facts about the new proposal, the parties involved and the details being kept secret were checked directly against the Council of Ministers' text and an independent news source. Interpretations about political direction are presented as analysis.
- confirmed The government presented a new proposal for opposition support on 25 September. — This is stated in the Council of Ministers' text and in reporting by NL Times. source
- confirmed The proposal affects purchasing power, social security and box 3. — These three policy areas are mentioned in the public reporting. source
- confirmed The precise contents and funding have not yet been disclosed. — Jetten said the talks would first be held with opposition parties and gave no specific amounts. source
- confirmed BBB will be involved in the talks. — This is mentioned in reporting about the government proposal. source
Editor's note
The new development is the linking of box 3, purchasing power and social security in a single negotiating package. The precise measures and financial cover have not yet been made public.Sources
More on this in Dutch media
- De Telegraaf — „box 3”
- AD — „box 3”
- de Volkskrant — „box 3”