Given the seriousness of the situation, Jetten has decided to suspend the trip he had planned to Ireland to attend a meeting of the European Political Community in Dublin, a meeting that will be attended by leaders of the EU and other international leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski.
The conflict erupted over a controversial tax reform that required the three coalition partners in the cabinet to seek a majority in Parliament: the center-left party Democrats 66 (D66) —Jetten’s own party—, the aforementioned VVD, and the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), which is conservative.
After several weeks of talks, D66 and CDA have reached an understanding with the left-wing opposition that includes, among other points, an increase in the tax burden on the highest incomes.
THE VVD LEADER DENOUNCES A “COALITION AGREEMENT BREACH”
However, the VVD flatly rejects this pact and, in addition, has refused to continue negotiating with the progressive D66. Instead, the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy is now seeking to form a majority in the House with the support of far-right parties.
VVD leader and Minister of Defense Dilan Yesilgöz has described the agreement reached as a “COALITION AGREEMENT BREACH,” stressing that trust between the partners has been seriously damaged. The VVD plans to decide this Thursday what the future of the governing coalition will be.