Political crisis: welfare reforms, dual nationality plans in doubt

The future of welfare benefit reforms, cuts in special eduction, limits to dual nationality and other controversial legislation is now open to question following the collapse of the government.


Speculation has already begun about what areas of unfinished business left by the Mark Rutte-led administration will be put on hold. The outgoing government will have a caretaker role until the election and controversial legislation is traditionally dropped.
However, cancelling some of the measures will further impact on the budget deficit, and Rutte has already made it clear he will look to the opposition parties to get some policies through.
Unions
Unions have already called on MPs to put on ice reforms to the special education system and sheltered work schemes for the handicapped. Plans to shake up welfare benefits (bijstand) may also come to a standstill.
‘Now prime minister Mark Rutte has tendered his resignation, plans that affect so many people should be put on hold,’ Agnes Jongerius, leader of the FNV trade union federation, said in the Telegraaf.
The NRC says plans to limit dual nationality, increase court fees, merge public sector broadcasters and scrap grants for Masters degree students are also on the pending list.
It is still unclear what the effect of the cabinet collapse will be on the introduction of a pass system for cannabis cafes, which is due to start in the south of the country at the beginning of May.
Pensions
However, unions, employers and pension funds have urged MPs to continue with plans to increase the state pension age to 66.
‘It would be extremely regrettable if that were to come to a standstill,’ a spokesman for the pension fund federation told news agency ANP.
The upper house of parliament is due to debate the pension legislation on May 15.
Earlier stories
The election will be about Europe and the euro, says Wilders
The alliance with the PVV is over, what happens next?
Economists fear impact of austerity talks collapse
What had been agreed? State pension at 66 in 2015, VAT at 21%
Austerity talks collapse as Wilders walks out, election likely

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