Despite campaigning for less red tape, the number of rules and regulations operating in the Netherlands has actually gone up by 1,000 since the right-wing VVD came to power, according to economic affairs ministry figures.

The calculations show there are almost 10,000 rules and regulations governing life and work in the Netherlands, and that is up 10% on 2010 when Mark Rutte first became prime minister.

‘Government interference is increasing,’ law professor Wim Voermans told the Parool. ‘The government is feverishly redividing and redefining. For example, changing all the switches in the tax system is leading to more rules to make sure that everyone ends up with more to spend.’

Companies and private individuals are also facing more bureaucracy and form-filling, Voermans said.