Netherlands: the government wants to convince the opposition resigned from voting austerity

The Dutch Minister of Finance, Jan Kees de Jager, is adamant his country will indeed be able to provide the European Commission at the end of April, the plan promised fiscal discipline. And despite the fall, Saturday, April 21, the coalition led by Liberal Mark Rutte, now lacking support from the populist Geert Wilders' Islamophobia. The next election should be announced after a debate begun in the lower house Tuesday, April 24.

The financial stakes are high: the fine that could inflict Brussels in the Netherlands, assuming resigned their government would be unable to file its proposed budget in 2013 (with a deficit reduced to 3% of GDP) would be ... 1.2 billion euros. Paradoxical for a country that was among the most vigorous advocate for stronger sanctions, coupled with increased monitoring capabilities of the Commission.

A LARGE MAP OF CUTS

And if Mr. De Jaeger relies on the solidarity of other countries to escape punishment, he may be disappointed: there should be a majority of eurozone countries is opposed gold, given their past attitude , the Netherlands no longer count many friends within the club. The government resigned therefore still hope to convince the opposition groups in the lower house to approve part of its projects.

These included efforts to bring the retirement age to 66 years, freeze the salaries of civil servants and social benefits, to be 7% and 21% VAT rates (instead of 6% ​​and 19% in currently) and make cuts in the health sector. The budget for cooperation would be greatly planed, the system of scholarships revised drug reimbursement decreased, etc.. Enough to supply a total of 14 to 18 billion euros in savings.