U bevindt zich op: Home › News › Press releases and news items

Combining dynamism with security

News item | 18-09-2007

The Netherlands' strength lies in its openness, dynamism, and entrepreneurial spirit. The government wants to combine that dynamism with security in order to safeguard the health of public-sector finances.

This was Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende's message today at the annual state opening of Parliament.

'We have presented a solid and ambitious budget which expands on the objectives set out in our policy programme'.

'Our strength lies in openness, dynamism and enterprise.' At the same time, the government was aware that rapid change gave rise to feelings of insecurity among many people. It therefore sought to combine dynamism with security.

Public finances

Security, said the Prime Minister, was founded on healthy public finances, managed responsibly with a view to the future.

At the end of the government's term, there would be a structural surplus of over 1%. The national debt would fall to its lowest level in more than 30 years.

The right time to act

'The government is taking advantage of the favourable economic situation. Now is the right time to take measures that will make us stronger in the future.' It was, said Mr Balkenende, like repairing the roof while the weather was fine.

'This is the right time to invest in areas that improve our quality of life and therefore increase our security. In areas like education, the environment, sustainable energy, safety and social cohesion in older neighbourhoods.'

Shift in the financial burden

Environment-related tax measures were one way in which greater personal responsibility was being encouraged. Mr Balkenende explained that slightly higher taxation on consumption created scope for a lower financial burden on employment.

'This shift in the financial burden strengthens the structure of the economy. This means more people finding jobs. People in work benefit from the government's measures.'

Purchasing power

'In the total package of measures for 2008, we have spared the least well off in society. And the overall trend in purchasing power over the lifetime of this government is positive.' The Prime Minister emphasised that this would be particularly true for people in work and families with children.

Dynamism

The government intends to further strengthen the Netherlands' international outlook. 'Greater dynamism and international cooperation are vital for our future,' said Mr Balkenende. There would be more money for innovation, enterprise, peace missions and sustainable energy in developing countries.