The minority cabinet of D66, CDA, and VVD wants to spend billions more on defence. These are uncertain times, but we do not agree that the bill should be placed on those who can least afford it, while nothing is asked of the very richest and wealthiest. The cuts will affect us all, but the low and middle incomes will bear the brunt. The cuts are unnecessary, unfair, and irresponsible.
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Where can we find the money?
Instead, the coalition could have chosen to collect more taxes from large corporations and wealthy individuals. There are numerous reports showing how these groups manage to evade taxes and how the very richest often pay (much) less tax than, for example, middle-income earners. This is partly because so-called Director-Major Shareholders (DGA’s) hide money in their private companies. Yet, the government decides not to impose any additional taxes on them.
Middle-income earners pay more freedom contribution than a minister
The so-called ‘freedom contribution’ is simply an increase in income tax for citizens. But there is something peculiar about it. The way the government intends to implement this increase results in low- and middle-income earners often paying more tax than someone with a high income, such as a minister. A refuse collector will soon pay €362 and a nurse even €370, but a minister who earns three times as much salary only has to pay €333 in freedom contribution. So, those with the broadest shoulders get off the easiest.
Healthcare cuts hit low and middle incomes harder
Due to the cuts in healthcare, the gap between rich and poor is widening. A higher excess in healthcare is particularly a reason for low incomes to avoid necessary care. They only go to the doctor when it really can't be avoided. By then, they are sicker and the healthcare costs are higher. The personal contribution for district nursing is also a barrier for low incomes. High incomes can afford this more easily.
Dismantling of WW and WIA is premium theft
Would you accept it if your insurance suddenly paid you half as much while you still pay your premium neatly every month? The minority cabinet of D66, CDA and VVD wants to dip into our premium fund to fill budget gaps. Money that is intended for employees who become unemployed or incapacitated. Once again, the bill falls on workers.