The caretaker Dutch government announced Tuesday that it will spend an extra 2 billion euros (US$2.1 billion) per year to tackle poverty in this nation where the gap between rich and poor is shaping up as a major campaign theme ahead of a November general election.
The announcement came on Prince's Day, when the monarch reads a speech outlining government plans for the coming year and the finance minister unveils the annual budget.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte, the country's longest-serving premier, has said he will quit politics once a new coalition is formed.While the Dutch economy remains healthy, many households on lower incomes have been hit hard inflation over the last year, fueling discontent in society. The extra expenditure will be covered in part by raising taxes on the wealthy as well as increasing taxes on tobacco and alcohol.
Government expenditure is expected to exceed 430 billion over the next year while revenue will be more than 402 billion. The country is expected to have a budget deficit of 2.9% of gross domestic product in 2024 while national debt will be 47.3% of GDP, the government said.
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