No interest for unlucky generation costs 9 billion euros

No interest for unlucky generation costs 9 billion euros

 

 

The proposal by D66 and SP to set the interest rate on study debt of ‘unlucky students’ at zero per cent will cost EUR 9 billion, estimates demissionary minister Dijkgraaf. Dijkgraaf (D66) understands very well the concerns of students and former students, he said on Tuesday during in the Lower House. But he pointed out that the D66 and SP proposal in particular has “major financial, implementation and policy implications”.

 

No cover
He estimated the cost at some €9 billion and there would have to be financial cover for that. It would also mean a new repayment regime for loan system students. DUO would have to adjust its systems for that and that could not happen until 1 January 2026 at the earliest.

 

GroenLinks proposed freezing the interest rate on study debts at the 2023 interest rate of 0.46 per cent for at least the coming year. But the minister also advised against that motion. He sees no room for it in the OCW budget and, besides, the law would then have to be amended before the end of this year. That does not seem a realistic scenario to him. (HOP, HC)