The Dutch Parliament wants to use money from the National Growth Fund to prevent an increase in fuel prices for motorists. That means a stop to further research by the National Education Lab AI. It will also mean less money for teacher retraining and lifelong development, among other things. That warning is given by outgoing Education Minister Dijkgraaf in response to parliamentary questions.
The National Growth Fund amounts to 20 billion euros and is meant for long-term economic growth, through investments in research and education. It is a familiar target for politicians looking to close financial gaps elsewhere. Last year, the money was used to make the Westerschelde tunnel toll-free.
VVD party chair Sophie Hermans now needs 1.4 billion euros to prevent an increase in fuel prices for motorists. Among other things, she suggested the fund as a cover, but the government may also make a different choice. Dijkgraaf hinted that a grab from the National Growth Fund was annoying because “expectations were raised among project proposers, including educational institutions”.
The VVD proposal has a majority, but was also criticised. For instance, D66 MP Jan Paternotte joked, “The Growth Fund has been nicknamed the the ‘Grab Fund’ in recent years.” Outgoing Finance Minister Sigrid Kaag also believes the fund is not meant for curbing fuel taxes, she hinted on Thursday. In the House, GroenLinks, PvdA, D66, PvdD, Volt and Member Gündoğan voted against the motion. (HOP, PvT)
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