The Polder Moves into Parliament

Saturday, November 7, 2026

The Jetten cabinet gives opposition parties a greater role in shaping Dutch policy. That could strengthen parliamentary democracy. But can agreements made issue by issue still add up to a budget that both chambers can support?

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A Majority for the Vote, but Not for the Plan?

Friday, November 6, 2026

The Dutch minority cabinet is finding support for parts of its tax plan. But a majority in the Tweede Kamer may not carry the full package through the Senate. Can separate concessions become an agreement parties will defend and implement?

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Who Pays for Taxing Real Gains?

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

The Netherlands wants to tax more investment gains when they are realised, but that shift can delay revenue. As Parliament moves to protect modest savers, the box 3 debate turns to a harder question: which measures can credibly fund the reform?

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Governing Beyond the Campaign

Sunday, September 27, 2026

The Dutch budget talks are moving, but an agreement requires more than exchanged concessions. This Signal asks whether coalition and opposition can protect their mandates, share responsibility for the whole budget and make choices that endure beyond the next vote.

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The Budget That Cannot Wait

Friday, September 25, 2026

The Netherlands’ 2027 budget promises investment in the future while a minority government negotiates support in the present. As reforms are delayed and spending rises, the central question is who will ultimately pay for the choices postponed today.

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