The Netherlands needs strong government to ensure it recovers strongly from the economic downturn, queen Beatrix said in her traditional budget day speech to parliament on Tuesday.

And the precondition for sustainable development and prosperity is stable economic policy, the queen said.
‘The government has already used necessary measures. Structural steps will now have to be taken to ensure the government’s finances are healthy in the long term,’ Beatrix said.
No new initiatives
The annual speech ahead of the presentation of the government’s spending plans for the next year usually includes an indication of new policy measures. But this year, the cabinet is acting in a caretaker capacity, pending the formation of a new government, and no new initiatives are on the table.
The queen also emphasised the need for unity. ‘A harmonious society is built on respect, acceptance and courtesy,’ she said. ‘That requires give and take, tolerance and also adaptation. This is the responsibility of us all.’
The queen’s reference to the need for stability reflects concern that the three parties currently in talks on forming a new government will not produce a strong cabinet because it will rely on support from the anti-Islam PVV.
For the full speech, in Dutch only, click here