The government published its 2021 spending plans on Tuesday. Here is a round up of the main news, reactions and useful links.

The Netherlands must be ready for serious economic setbacks, says king
The Netherlands must ready itself for serious economic setbacks, king Willem Alexander said on Tuesday afternoon, in his official speech to mark the start of the parliamentary year.

The king’s speech, in English

Budget focus is on strengthening the economy, finance minister says
The government’s 2021 spending plans are focused on keeping the economy strong now and into the future, despite coronavirus, finance minister Wopke Hoekstra told MPs on Tuesday afternoon.

More official government information for industry in English

The CPB’s macroeconomic outlook, summary in English
The CPB  says the coronavirus crisis is having the greatest impact on vulnerable groups, including young people, the self-employed and migrants.

Criticism, optimism and wrong priorities: Mixed reactions to the 2021 budget
A round-up of political reactions ahead of the two day debate on the budget.

The 2021 budget main points: tax cuts and investment
The highlights of the budgets, including a cut in income tax, more spending on affordable housing and a new initiative to fight organised crime.

The 2021 budget: what the papers say
There is little criticism of the government’s 2021 spending plans in the morning papers, with most approving of the decision to keep on spending to head off the impact of coronavirus. With one eye on next year’s elections, they say, there is little else ministers can do.