
‘Put the Dutch First’ — Geert Wilders Demands Ukraine and Climate Spending Slashed in Favour of Domestic Tax Cuts
by Oliver JJ Lane
The Dutchman must be the first priority for the Dutch government, says populist leader Geert Wilders, as he decries ringfenced spending for Ukraine and the climate that could stop him cutting taxes to put more money in the voter’s pocket as he wishes.
“I want us to finally put the Dutch first,” says populist leader and power behind the throne of the Dutch government Geert Wilders, as discussions get underway for the Spring budget.
The Dutch government that followed the 2023 electoral victory of Mr Wilders and his Party for Freedom is a coalition of four parties, which, beyond his own, includes the centre-right establishment-conservative VVD, the pro-political reform NSC, and the pro-agriculture BBB. While most coalition members agree now is the time to cut taxes, the VVD — who control the finance ministry — are opposed.
As stated by Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, the establishment VVD party acknowledges that the national budget is presently balanced but preaches fiscal probity now because there’s a possibility they may not be in the future. The party also stands by its commitment to protect government spending on the Ukraine War and climate change.