Budget Talks Stall on Deadline Day Amid Weather Warnings
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The Dutch coalition government remains deadlocked on budget negotiations, with talks extending over fifteen hours and continuing on the official deadline day. A key point of contention is a proposed wealth tax, which has created a significant divide between the VVD, D66, and CDA parties. Failure to reach an agreement could have broader implications for national finances.
Meanwhile, the country faces severe thunderstorms, with up to 70 millimeters of rain expected in Noord-Holland. In other domestic news, a fire at a substation in Meeden is uncontainable, causing smoke nuisance that could last for days. Households are also grappling with new fixed energy contracts that are projected to cost hundreds of euros extra.
On a positive note, the Dutch Holland Acht rowing team clinched a World Championship gold medal by a narrow margin. Additionally, a parliamentary inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic is set to question former ministers, including Carola Schouten, who now serves as the Mayor of Rotterdam.