Respect, solidarity and durability are the three key components of the new government’s policies, Christian Democrat leader Jan Pieter Balkenende said at the presentation of the cabinet’s plans on Wednesday.

The coalition accord was based on six cornerstones, Balkenende said: an active role for the Netherlands internationally; a competitive, innovative economy; a durable society; social cohesion; security and respect; and decisive government.
The government’s plans represented an ambitious programme, Balkenende said.
Among the new initiatives unveiled today: school books will be free from the next academic year and a special kilometre tax for motorists will be introduced during the current cabinet period.
More to follow