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Redundancy reform, jobless benefit cuts 'out of the question': update

Wednesday 27 October 2010

Prime minister Mark Rutte on Wednesday dismissed opposition claims that his new government is not reform-orientated and ruled out any changes to jobless benefits and redundancy law.

During the first day of debate on the new government’s plans on Tuesday, opposition MPs criticised Rutte’s failure to carry out much needed reforms, in line with the VVD election promises.

Cuts in jobless benefit and redundancy law reforms are out of the question because of the agreement made between the minority cabinet and anti-Islam PVV, Rutte said.

Deals

But there is plenty of room to make deals with opposition parties in other policy areas, Rutte said.

The VVD and Christian Democrats have formed a minority government which has guaranteed support from Wilders in certain areas. In return concessions have been made to the PVV.

Answering criticism that Wilders is too powerful in the current set up, Rutte told MPs he will hold a weekly meeting with the PVV leader to discuss policy but that he will not be copied in on government minutes.

Reforms

Rutte said the new government is committed to a number of reforms, including an increase in the state pension age from 65 to 66, the abolition of student grants for master’s degrees and a drastic reduction in the size of the civil service.

For more on the debate:
He’s not in government, but Wilders dominates first debate
New prime minister looks for broad support, appeals to opposition

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Readers' comments

Funny guy, is this Junior PM. He can not even appoint his ministers, without consent of Wilders (according to public document on terms and conditions signed with him, to get his temporary job), but he insists in he is free. Funny guy, Rutte.

By zenplus | October 27, 2010 3:41 PM

And what about Ministers benefits? They must be reformed to bring them in line with the private sector terms. They are out of touch.

By Andy | October 27, 2010 3:54 PM

What do you expect complainers? PVV gives support and they are entitled to getting something back in return. That is politics. I find Mark Rutte a very charismatic, intelligent Prime Minister, one who is more reasonable then the last cabinet. Lets not starting branding this new cabinet before they even had a chance yet. Wilders has done a lot of good for the elderly people, which many cabinets before this one tended to forget the elderly.

By SandraV | October 28, 2010 6:25 AM

So far the PVV has not provided any support, they have tried to push through several issues that did make any sense or just seemed to designed to cause problems and get attention. These issues so far include trying to kick the Queen out of the government and trying to make amateur football teams kick out all Islamic players, amongst other unconstuctive actions and ideas. These issues do not 'provide support' - they waste time, money and energy, and make NO sense.

By Bill | October 28, 2010 12:35 PM

I would take changes in these benefits any day over racist vomit.
As long as it benefits the poor and needy, irrespective of their religion, nationality (ies), allegiance, color or creed...

By Saladin | October 28, 2010 3:13 PM

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