The political situation in the Netherlands

Anger over “hysterical” increase in retirement age

The Netherlands’ new minority coalition wants to raise the country’s retirement age faster than previously agreed, sparking union fury, De Telegraaf reports.

In the 2019 pension agreement, the parties agreed to raise the retirement age more slowly than the increasing life expectancy. That agreement is now being thrown in the bin to free up a few tens of billions of kronor for the new liberal coalition.

“This is the stupidest part of the government agreement, without competition,” says union leader Tuur Elzinga, who negotiated on behalf of the unions in 2019.

“I think the workers feel cheated. The unions now feel blown,” he continues.

With the “hysterically” rapid increase in the retirement age, Pandora’s box is now being opened, he continues. He believes that the unions are now free to demand that the retirement age of 67 be fixed again.

“New course” will make Jetten the country's youngest leader

The intended minority government in the Netherlands has big and ambitious plans. This is reported by Politico, which has skimmed the 67-page coalition agreement that was presented on Friday.

“Today we are embarking on a new course,” says 38-year-old D66 party leader Rob Jetten.

The agreement likely paves the way for liberal Jetten to become the country's youngest prime minister ever.

The agreement includes major investments in defense and the housing shortage. The money is taken from welfare. The strict migration policy remains in place, but the new government will be more EU-positive.

Although two of the three parties behind the agreement are liberal, it is not permeated by liberal reforms, according to political science professor Sarah de Lange.

– Quite a bit of D66's progressive agenda is reflected in the agreement, she says.