The caretaker government will present its spending plans for 2026 on Tuesday afternoon, as king Willem-Alexander officially opens the parliamentary year with the traditional speech from the throne.

But given that the coalition cabinet has collapsed and the Netherlands will elect a new government on October 29, this year’s plans will be minimal and largely uncontroversial, commentators say.

Two parties remain in the coalition – the pro-countryside BBB and the right-wing Liberal VVD. Both are set to lose seats in the election and currently control only 32 of the 150 seats in the lower house of parliament.

Prime minister Dick Schoof told reporters ahead of the presentation that the budget plans are “low on policy” and that no sharp choices have been made. Nevertheless, “it remains an important policy document,” he said.

As every year, many of the plans were leaked to the media ahead of the formal announcement.

Economy

• Spending power will rise by an average of 1.3% next year. People in work will have 1.2% more to spend, and pensioners 1.5%.

• The national debt will reach 44.9% this year and is projected to rise to 48.7% by 2028.

• The budget deficit will hit 2.9% next year, just under the Brussels limit of 3%.

• A planned tax hike on fuel will be delayed for another year.

New spending

• More money will be spent on reducing prison overcrowding.

• An additional €430 million will be invested in boosting the tech industry in the Netherlands.

• Planned cuts to the public transport budget will not go ahead.

• A proposed cut to a programme aimed at boosting equality of opportunity in schools will be scrapped.

• Plans to introduce cheaper “red” diesel for farmers have been abandoned.

Other

• Ministers expect health insurance premiums to rise by around €3 a month, although the actual increase will be determined by health insurance companies themselves.

Royals

The royal family, including princess Ariane for the first time, will take part in a televised procession to parliament from 1 pm.

The king’s speech will be broadcast live on NOS television at 1:15 pm. At 3:30 pm, finance minister Eelco Heinen will present the budget to parliament.

On Wednesday and Thursday, parliament will debate the plans with one eye on the general election. However, approval of individual ministry budgets will be up to the newly elected lower house.