Top officials may have lied about the benefits scandal. The National Criminal Investigation Department is investigating the perjury, Nieuwsuur reported last night. These are senior officials of the Tax and Customs Administration and the Ministry of Finance who were sworn in in the parliamentary committee for questions on the childcare allowance. Political journalist Sophie van Leeuwen already saw a lot of collective amnesia two years ago.
In particular, this time it is the Palmen memo, says Van Leeuwen. The note in question comes from Benefits’ top lawyer who wrote that the tax and customs administration acted reprehensible and that the parents were deceived. During the survey interviews, those concerned swore they had never seen that memo, but Nieuwsuur’s reconstruction shows the opposite: the memo was seen, discussed and then disappeared.
cover up
According to Van Leeuwen, two civil servants are notably in the photo: former director of the tax and customs administration Jaap Uijlenbroek and finance ministry secretary general Manon Leijten. “They have sworn under oath that they have never seen this memo.” The House has now responded, quite predictably that the MPs who brought the matter to light; PS member Renske Leijten and independent MEP Pieter Omtzigt. ‘They want to know if any criminal offenses have been committed, is this a cover up? The memo ended up in a drawer while the parents are still waiting for reparations, apologies, help and money.’
Source: BNR
Fernando Dowling is an author and political journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of the political landscape and a passion for analyzing the latest political trends and news.
