Opposition parties do not have a good word on how the government has followed up on the complaint over the child benefits scandal. That report was released in late 2020, but little came of the promises Prime Minister Mark Rutte made at the time. “Some nice things have been promised,” says SP member Renske Leijten. “But it turned out to be a sales gimmick.”
The Cabinet has promised generous compensation for the affected parents. But that stalled, and the promised simplification of the rules, intended to avoid a repeat of the benefits debacle, failed to materialize in many sectors. “In the end, nothing will change for the people at the counter,” says Leijten.
disinherited
Independent MP Pieter Omtzigt criticizes in particular the information management in the national government and the provision of information in the House of Representatives. ‘As a Chamber, we cannot do our job like this. If our information is incorrect, we will make the wrong decisions.’ According to Omtzigt, this also applies, for example, to the tax authorities or the UWV. If the information is incorrect, “then citizens have no rights”.
THINK Member of Parliament Stephan van Baarle aims his arrows at Rutte himself. “Why is this man still here?” He wonders. He also points to the big promises made by the prime minister after the resignation of his previous cabinet over the subsidies scandal. “People under pressure promise mountains of gold,” says Van Baarle. But he also notes that very little of this has been achieved. “If he can’t do it, Mr. Rutte, go away.”
BBB leader Caroline van der Plas also struggles with the role of Rutte, who she says has sold “old wine in new bottles”. “I don’t know what to do with this prime minister anymore.” PvdA leader Attje Kuiken points out that it was not even his choice for Rutte to return as prime minister after his cabinet fell. But she doesn’t think she will help her parents if she leaves again.
Shameless
Several MPs are furious at RTL News’ revelation that the Benefits service has been trying to make deals with behind-the-scenes judges about extended decision periods. “Why is there time for this and not for applying the law?” Leijten wants to know. “Shameless,” says Van Baarle. “How do you get that on your head!” Omtzit said.
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.
