‘Abolish the long-study fine.’ The four ruling parties rejected a motion to that effect on Tuesday afternoon, even though the plan seems likely to be scrapped soon.
It was a concise motion by MP Doğukan Ergin (Denk). He requested the government to abolish the long-study fine. Education Minister Eppo Bruins (NSC) advised against the motion last week.
Ergin evidently wanted to test the waters. Almost the entire opposition voted in favour of his motion, except for JA21, which is negotiating with CDA, ChristenUnie, and SGP to soften the cuts to education and research.
The eight negotiating parties (D66 pulled out last week) reportedly agree in broad terms to scrap 700 million euros in cuts. However, the coalition insists part of the savings must come from the education budget. That still amounts to cuts in education, which the opposition finds unacceptable. Negotiations will resume on Wednesday, and the OCW budget will be voted on Thursday afternoon.
One thing seems certain: the long-study fine will not materialise. It is unpopular and unlikely to generate significant revenue in the short term. Its implementation is delayed beyond the government’s expectations.
HOP, Hein Cuppen
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