MPs decide to scrap traditional budget debate

MPs have decided to scrap this year’s traditional two-day debate with the prime minister about the government’s spending plans for 2011, the Volkskrant reports on Monday.


A majority of MPs think it is unnecessary to hold the debate because a new cabinet will soon be appointed and given the job of implementing the budget, the paper says.
Instead, caretaker finance minister Jan Kees de Jager will explain the plans to MPs and answer questions.
But Socialist Party leader Emile Roemer said he disagrees with the decision to scrap the debate. ‘Savings of €3.2bn are on the way, there is a lot wrong with the country and then not to hold a debate,’ he told the Volkskrant.
‘A caretaker cabinet is submitting this budget, but there is always a political story attached, and that should be debated with the prime minister, even if he is just a caretaker,’ he said.
A number of plans have already been leaked. The outgoing government wants to cut government spending by €3.2bn, with healthcare set to face the brunt of the reductions. Civil service salaries are to be increased in line with inflation and traffic fines will go up.
The caretaker cabinet’s holding budget will be published on September 21.

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