topics
tools
Expatica countries
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2117.66 -0.08
DAX 6323.19 -0.26
IBEX 30 6401.2 -2.17
CAC 40 3042.97 -0.16
FTSE 100 5356.34 0.09
AEX 292.76 0.00
DJIA 12454.83 -0.60
Nasdaq 2837.53 -0.07
FTSE MIB 13057.26 -0.74
TSX Composite 11546.94 -0.26
ASX 4120.2 0.96
Hang seng 18800.99 0.47
Straits Times 2787.22 0.52
ISEQ 20 501.76 0.16
You are here: Home News French News Dutch government shocked by economic forecast

French News

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


17/02/2009Dutch government shocked by economic forecast

Political parties call for immediate reaction to stimulate the economy as a recently released forecast predicts output to shrink by 3.5 percent in 2009.

THE HAGUE – A new forecast for the Dutch economy in 2009 released by Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis, CPB, has sent shockwaves through parliament and caused Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende to declare the country is facing an ‘extremely serious’ economic situation.

New figures released on Tuesday predicted output to shrink by 3.5 percent in 2009, leaving 120,000 more people jobless as exports dwindle.

The organisation also said the Dutch economy is set to shrink 3.5 percent this year due to the greater-than-expected impact of the international economic crisis.

Mixed reactions from different political parties
The Christian Democrats wants the cabinet to implement measures to stimulate the economy in the short and the long term.

The Christian Democrats' coalition partner, the Labour Party, identified the rising unemployment rate as the main point of concern and urged for urgent action.

The junior party in the government coalition, the Christian Union, referred to the present crisis as a "critical phase".

The leader of the opposition Socialist Party, Agnes Kant, wants immediate action from the cabinet. She said the measures needed to stimulate the economy are coming too late. Kant is against introducing cutbacks in healthcare or unemployment benefits.

Green Left said creating and sustaining work opportunities is more important in the broader context of the economic slowdown than strict management of the state treasury.

Conservative VVD leader Mark Rutte said it's time for the government to stop "bickering". He urges the government to raise the retirement age gradually to 67.

Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende said the unemployment figures are the most painful element in the projections and that it would be an "illusion for people to think that the government will single-handedly solve all of their problems".

[Radio Netherlands / Expatica]


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating



0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment
Discussion Forums

Television in France

Buy fake passports, driver's licenses, identity cards

Eating & Drinking in France

Buy fake passports, driver's licenses, identity cards

Humour in France

Buy fake passports, driver's licenses, identity cards

Shopping in France

Buy fake passports, driver's licenses, identity cards

Films, Shows & Events in France

Buy fake passports, driver's licenses, identity cards

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Management culture in France

Management culture in France

This handy guide from Expertise in Labour Mobility includes information on business hierarchy, negotiations, and etiquette.

American associations and clubs in Paris

American associations and clubs in Paris

A listing of organizations in the Paris area that cater primarily to Americans living in France. Updated April 2011.

British associations and clubs in Paris

British associations and clubs in Paris

Our handy guide to the British community in Paris, from cricket clubs to Scottish country dancing lessons to where to find a jar of Marmite.

Anglophone services in France

Anglophone services in France

Here's a short introduction to our Banking section for those living in France, from how to open a bank account to Islamic banking and investments.