Prinsjesdag 2022

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Queen Máxima, the Princess of Orange, Prince Constantjin and Princess Laurentien joined King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands as he gave the annual Prinsjesdag (Prince’s Day or Budget Day) Speech to the Dutch Parliament to outline the government’s agenda for the coming session on September 20th in The Hague. The annual ceremony is held on the third Tuesday of every September, and it was the first time that the Princess of Orange has attended.

   Embed from Getty ImagesChristinZ - King WA, #QueenMaxima and Princess Amalia departing for #prinsjesdag. 🎥 NPO1

Embed from Getty Images  Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images 

The Royal Family rode in the Glass Coach from the Noordeinde Palace to the Koninklijke Schouwburg in The Hague, instead of the usual Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights). The King and Queen were welcomed by military honours before making their way to the Throne, where the King Willem-Alexander delivered his annual Budget Speech to the Parliament, outlining the government’s agenda for the coming session. Afterwards, the Royal Family returned to the Noordeinde Palace, where they appeared on the Balcony.

 

King Willem-Alexander wore Morning Dress with the miniature pin of the Military William Order, the highest honour of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Queen Maxima wore a ice-grey frock coat with a wrap scarf made of air-mesh/neoprene with matching hat made from recycled material with Diamond Earrings, her Diamond Rivière and the Sash and Star of the Order of the Netherlands Lion, her highest Dutch honour. The Princess of Orange wore a dark green voile dress with a pink hat, Emerald Necklace and Earrings, Diamond Stars, and the Sash and Star of the Order of the Netherlands Lion.

 

Prince Constantijn wore Morning Dress with the miniature pin of the Order of the Netherlands Lion. Princess Laurentien wore a light pink dress made of crêpe cady and a hat decorated with a silk flower with her Sash and Star of the Order of the House of Orange, her highest Dutch honour.

The King’s Speech:

Members of the States General,

We live in a time of contradictions and uncertainty. It is contradictory that livelihoods are under pressure and poverty is increasing in a period of economic growth and low unemployment. It is contradictory that people in our free country do not feel free to express their opinion, for fear of harsh reactions or even threats. And it is also worrying that in a mature democracy like ours people lose faith in the resolving power of politics and government. In addition, people’s uncertainty about tomorrow and the more distant future is growing. About purchasing power and housing shortage. About the reception of asylum seekers and the war in Ukraine. But also about the major changes that are coming our way in areas such as the labor market, climate, energy and nitrogen.

Nevertheless, we can draw something from the way in which our country has undergone major changes step by step in the past. That gradualness is essential. Not everything is possible and not necessary at the same time, not even in the here-and-now. We often only realize in retrospect how far-reaching developments have been. Think, for example, of the period of the industrial revolution or, closer, the introduction of the internet. Think of the large land consolidations and the construction of large new residential areas in the second half of the last century. Or think of the difficult period of the post-war reconstruction.

Thus my grandmother spoke the following words to your predecessors at her inauguration in 1948. I quote:

“We are in a state at this moment in world history where everything depends on our attitude to the threat of new disasters. The Netherlands should not only remain afloat on the wild waves of world events. It must determine its own course and, moreover, try to chart the course of the entire world fleet together with the other nations.’

End quote. In those uncertain years, our parents and grandparents showed unity and resilience. The same is being asked of us now, under very different circumstances. The Netherlands is not alone in this. Other countries face similar challenges. No one can predict what the world will look like if today’s children have children of their own. But it will be different, because our current way of life runs up against economic, social and environmental limits. That requires a different economy and labor market. A different approach to space and nature. Different ways of living, working, doing business and traveling. And other forms of living together. What does not change is that cooperation makes the Netherlands stronger than polarisation. That is of all times.

The cabinet realizes that the Dutch are critical of the functioning of the political-administrative system. At the same time, a large majority is still satisfied with the functioning of democracy. This is an incentive for the government, however difficult and controversial, to take those measures that are really necessary and to be open and transparent about them. At the beginning of this year, the cabinet started with an ambitious future agenda for 2030 and beyond – in the belief that future generations, just like us, should be able to lead a good life in a clean and safe country with opportunities for everyone. That perspective should be available to people of every creed, orientation, age, origin, education or profession. For residents of city and countryside. Here and in the Caribbean Netherlands, in collaboration with Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten.

Previous generations have laid the foundations for the prosperity and free way of life that are so characteristic of our country. Now that way of life is threatened by Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine. We have lived in peace in the Netherlands since 1945. Now a war is near and the international legal order and with it our own freedom is being attacked. We say very easily on May 4 and 5 that the values ​​of freedom and democracy are not self-evident and that they must be actively maintained and passed on. Now we are confronted with the question: what are we actually willing to pay for this – morally and materially? The hospitable reception and all the help that was immediately available from the Netherlands provide a first answer.

The government is committed to military and humanitarian support for Ukraine, international sanctions against Russia, and unity and close cooperation in the European Union, NATO and the United Nations. Ukraine has every right to defend itself. Once again, it appears that the EU, NATO and the UN are the anchors of foreign and security policy for the Netherlands. The government has been able to accelerate and increase the intended additional investment in defense with broad parliamentary support. This is necessary now that various countries are striving for a world in which the law of the fittest applies. In that worldview, democracy, sovereignty and freedom are eroded. The Netherlands, together with its international partners, must erect a dam against this. This requires a well-equipped armed forces for a secure Europe and a strong NATO. It requires a purposeful, democratic and self-confident European Union, which takes on a greater role on the world stage. And it requires the Netherlands to continue to assume its broader international responsibility. International cooperation through aid and trade contributes to peace, security and a dignified existence worldwide.

A direct consequence of the war and the international sanctions against Russia is that gas, electricity and food have become considerably more expensive. The consequences for people, families and businesses are serious. Financial problems lead to more debt, bankruptcies, health problems and child poverty. It is painful that more and more people in the Netherlands are having trouble paying their rent, groceries, health insurance premiums or energy bills. That is why the cabinet is coming up with an unprecedentedly substantial package of measures of more than 18 billion euros, mainly for the benefit of low and middle incomes. But even with that, not all price increases can be fully offset for everyone. 

Some measures are intended for the short term. The cabinet is working on a price ceiling for energy, so that people can continue to pay their energy bills. The tax reduction on fuel and the energy allowance will continue into 2023. The health care allowance and the basic grant for students will increase next year. These measures are covered, among other things, by a temporary additional contribution from gas and oil companies. In addition, there will be structural income improvements for low and middle incomes. As of January 1, the minimum wage and related benefits will increase by 10 percent. The rent allowance and the child budget will be higher. For working people, income tax falls and the employed person’s tax credit rises, so that work pays more. These measures are covered, among other things, by higher taxes on profit and capital, whereby small and medium-sized enterprises are spared as much as possible. Naturally, the cabinet supports the inhabitants of the Caribbean Netherlands on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, who are also faced with rising prices.

The government is always looking for the right financial balance. Purchasing power improvement is desperately needed. At the same time, it is irresponsible to pass on bills to today’s young people, or to delay necessary policy. The agenda for the future does not tolerate any delay.

The cabinet will do everything possible to gain broad support for tackling the nitrogen problem. Industry, the mobility sector and agriculture must reduce emissions. The aim is to restore nature, a vital countryside and a good future for Dutch farmers. That is why halving nitrogen emissions is unavoidable, also because of court decisions and to ensure that permit granting does not come to a standstill. At the same time, there are understandable emotions from farmers who fear for the future of their family business, which they are so proud of, often for generations. The switch to circular agriculture requires a lot, but offers farmers the prospect of a good future and a decent income. It is important to allow sufficient time in the coming year for the precise elaboration per area. Sometimes a different business operation will provide a solution, sometimes new technology, sometimes business relocation, and sometimes buyout will be the best option. Banks, feed manufacturers, supermarkets and consumers also have their own responsibility. In the coming year, the government will continue to work with all parties on joint solutions.

The urgency of tackling the climate and energy transition is only increasing now that questions have recently been raised about the gas supply for next winter and our dependence on Russian gas. That requires different actions. Together with the other EU Member States, the Netherlands is working on energy savings and an even faster transition to clean energy. The Dutch gas storage facilities are well stocked and will continue to be filled. The aim is for the Netherlands to be independent from fossil fuels from Russia by the end of 2022. In the meantime, the eye must remain focused on the longer term, because the future does not wait. The aim for 60% less CO2 emissions by 2030 requires action now. The government is focusing on making industry more sustainable quickly, on more wind energy and green hydrogen, and on a new role for nuclear energy. People who make their home more energy efficient can receive a subsidy for this. This summer’s drought underlines the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events and adapting to climate change.

An important question for the future remains how good and personal care remains available and affordable for everyone. New solutions are needed. The concept of appropriate care is central to this. That means: the right care in the right place at the right time for everyone. By strengthening the primary care of general practitioners and district nurses, more people can be helped close to home. On the basis of the Prevention Agreement, the cabinet will continue to encourage sport and a healthy lifestyle – prevention is simply better than cure. Corona is not gone yet and the cabinet is of course preparing for the possibility of a next pandemic. 

The situation on the housing market is dire. A good and affordable house to buy or rent is becoming unreachable for more and more people, especially for starters and young people. We must not resign ourselves to that. Everyone has the right to a home of their own in a safe, accessible and attractive neighbourhood, and that is a core task for the government. The cabinet is regaining control of public housing and spatial planning. The National Housing and Construction Agenda formulates an ambition of 900,000 new homes up to and including 2030. The practice is unruly, but the urgency is high, which is why an acceleration in housing construction is urgently needed. Together with provinces, municipalities, housing corporations and the construction sector, the cabinet wants to achieve this acceleration, including the associated infrastructure and transport options.

Ensuring security in a strong and well-functioning constitutional state is another core task of the government. Tackling organized crime has the highest priority. The revenue model of organized crime must be disrupted nationally and internationally. It must become much easier to confiscate criminal assets and put a stop to criminal acts from prison. The government is investing heavily in better protection for the guardians of our constitutional state, such as lawyers, judges, politicians, administrators and journalists. There is room across the board for more staff and new technology, from the Public Prosecution Service to the judiciary, from the police to tax investigation and from the prison system to probation. On the preventive side, cooperation is taking place through training, work and guidance to ensure that young people do not end up in crime. In addition, the government is working on better access to justice. Court fees for citizens and small and medium-sized businesses are going down and fees for social lawyers are going up. 

All residents of the Netherlands must be able to obtain justice and the cabinet feels an absolute duty to do justice to the inhabitants of the earthquake area in Groningen and the victims of the allowance affair. It remains painful and embarrassing that so many people and families have been in serious trouble because of government mistakes and negligence. Everything is aimed at compensation as quickly as possible and recovery as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, this takes time, despite the efforts of many people and a large deployment of resources. In the meantime, to prevent new distressing situations, the government is working on improving public services and thus on a possible restoration of trust. Rules can and should be simpler and less rigid, so that, for example, social assistance recipients do not immediately run into problems if they receive a bonus.

This summer there was a shortage of reception places for asylum seekers in a short period of time, resulting in distressing and undesirable situations, both for the people who are looking for a safe place here and for the employees of reception locations and local residents. The cabinet is aware of this and is working on solutions with municipalities and other organizations involved. Our asylum system is and will remain based on the premise that there is always a place in our country for people fleeing war, violence and oppression. Anyone who can stay here will be given all the rights and obligations to fully participate and integrate into our society.

Investing in the future of our country starts with good and accessible education. Equality of opportunity means that every child can get the best out of themselves and that starts with learning to read, write and count. The government gives the highest priority to this. There is money, together with municipalities and social authorities, to provide homework guidance, sports facilities and other opportunities for children and young people for whom this is not obvious. In addition, the cabinet is investing in more transfer options, so that students can take the step at their own moment to the most appropriate level. Major investments in MBO, higher education and science bring peace and space for teachers and students.

Only with a well-trained workforce can we build an innovative and entrepreneurial future. Dutch entrepreneurs and their staff have shown resilience during the corona crisis. It is hard to believe that so many companies are now facing major problems again due to huge cost increases. Many entrepreneurs are having a hard time, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises, which are so important to our country. The SME entrepreneurial climate is needed to be strengthened, for example by ensuring better access to finance and support for sustainability. The government will also continue to invest in the future earning capacity of our country. Important are an attractive business climate, space for the top sectors and innovative start-ups, and taking advantage of all the opportunities offered by digitization. A well-functioning labor market is also important, especially now that many companies are struggling with personnel shortages. The government believes that a permanent job should be the norm and is therefore working on a new balance between permanent and flexible contracts. Being a good employer pays off and labor migrants also deserve decent treatment. In order to encourage people to work more hours, the costs of childcare for all working parents will be reimbursed almost in full during this cabinet term. The government is working on a new pension system that is ready for the future and better suited to a labor market in which most people have several employers during their lifetime. In the new system there is more prospect of indexation and people get a better view of the accrued pension pot. especially now that many companies are struggling with staff shortages. The government believes that a permanent job should be the norm and is therefore working on a new balance between permanent and flexible contracts. Being a good employer pays off and labor migrants also deserve decent treatment. In order to encourage people to work more hours, the costs of childcare for all working parents will be reimbursed almost in full during this cabinet term. The government is working on a new pension system that is ready for the future and better suited to a labor market in which most people have several employers during their lifetime. In the new system there is more prospect of indexation and people get a better view of the accrued pension pot. especially now that many companies are struggling with staff shortages. The government believes that a permanent job should be the norm and is therefore working on a new balance between permanent and flexible contracts. Being a good employer pays off and labor migrants also deserve decent treatment. In order to encourage people to work more hours, the costs of childcare for all working parents will be reimbursed almost in full during this cabinet term. The government is working on a new pension system that is ready for the future and better suited to a labor market in which most people have several employers during their lifetime. In the new system there is more prospect of indexation and people get a better view of the accrued pension pot. The government believes that a permanent job should be the norm and is therefore working on a new balance between permanent and flexible contracts. Being a good employer pays off and labor migrants also deserve decent treatment. In order to encourage people to work more hours, the costs of childcare for all working parents will be reimbursed almost in full during this cabinet term. The government is working on a new pension system that is ready for the future and better suited to a labor market in which most people have several employers during their lifetime. In the new system there is more prospect of indexation and people get a better view of the accrued pension pot. The government believes that a permanent job should be the norm and is therefore working on a new balance between permanent and flexible contracts. Being a good employer pays off and labor migrants also deserve decent treatment. In order to encourage people to work more hours, the costs of childcare for all working parents will be reimbursed almost in full during this cabinet term. The government is working on a new pension system that is ready for the future and better suited to a labor market in which most people have several employers during their lifetime. In the new system there is more prospect of indexation and people get a better view of the accrued pension pot. In order to encourage people to work more hours, the costs of childcare for all working parents will be reimbursed almost in full during this cabinet term. The government is working on a new pension system that is ready for the future and better suited to a labor market in which most people have several employers during their lifetime. In the new system there is more prospect of indexation and people get a better view of the accrued pension pot. In order to encourage people to work more hours, the costs of childcare for all working parents will be reimbursed almost in full during this cabinet term. The government is working on a new pension system that is ready for the future and better suited to a labor market in which most people have several employers during their lifetime. In the new system there is more prospect of indexation and people get a better view of the accrued pension pot.

It is inevitable that policy intentions are often expressed in terms of money, figures and dates. But in essence it is always about the quality of our society. A vibrant cultural and creative sector that is accessible to everyone is indispensable in this endeavor. Cultural life has been hit hard during the corona period. The cabinet is therefore investing in recovery, innovation and growth, because culture confronts, makes difficult matters open for discussion and connects people.

In a society in which there is no place for racism and discrimination, and in which everyone feels heard and recognised, an open view is needed at the less beautiful pages of our history. Not to judge our ancestors with today’s views, but with an eye and a feeling for what our history means for different groups and cultures that are part of our society. This applies emphatically to the entire Kingdom and to all countries with which we have a special bond because of history. By having a conversation about the past, the government wants to contribute to necessary recognition and the connection between people. No matter how difficult and emotional that conversation may be, our view of the past cannot be static. The government previously spoke out about the actions of the Dutch government during the persecution of the Jews and the extreme violence on the part of the Dutch side during the decolonization period in Indonesia. On the way to the commemoration of 150 years of the abolition of slavery in 2023, there is again reason to take account of this part of our history.

Members of the States General,

‘Together we will work for the good of the Netherlands’ – said my grandmother in 1948. These are words that are topical again and again. In these uncertain times, let us draw hope and renewed confidence in the knowledge that social renewal in our country is always achieved step by step and through cooperation. So it was in the past, so it is now. With that in mind, the government wants to continue to work with you and with all the positive forces in our country on solutions for today and a good future for all inhabitants of the Kingdom. You may feel supported in your important work by the realization that many wish you wisdom and pray with me for strength and God’s blessing for you.

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