Bruins stands firm: we will cut spending

The threat from the opposition and the tens of thousands of protesters in The Hague have done little to sway Education Minister Eppo Bruins. “The reality is that, as a cabinet, we have made other choices.”

On X, the minister posted a statement on Monday evening following a protest by 15 to 20 thousand demonstrators at the Malieveld in The Hague against his plans, and announcements by opposition parties of various strategies to block the education budget in the Senate.

“I won’t sugar-coat it: I’m not going to promise extra funds or reverse the cuts”, he said. “We want to keep government finances healthy. We’re ensuring people have more money in their pockets and investing extra in defence.”

Heart

No bombs, but books? Bruins brushed aside such slogans. He spoke, as before, of difficult and painful decisions. “I myself have a heart for research and education and want to make these choices as wisely as possible.”

He adds that not everything is being cut. There will still be resources for higher education and research. “I want to emphasise that much will still remain possible.”

And the extended study penalty? Bruins says he will address this at the beginning of 2025. “I’ve heard many stories from students who are in tough situations that lead to extended study periods. I want to take these challenging circumstances into account.”

This evening, the House of Representatives will debate the 2025 budget for the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. The extended study penalty is not officially included yet, as it would only take effect a year later. However, it remains one of the cuts the opposition is determined to reverse.

Senate

How the governing parties will respond is yet to be seen. They hold 30 of the 75 seats in the Senate, which must also approve the budget. The fact that the right-wing opposition party JA21 opposes the plans makes securing a majority more challenging.

FvD and SGP each hold two Senate seats, while 50Plus and the local parties (OPNL) hold one seat each. Even if they all support the government, two additional votes would still be needed for a majority of 38 seats.