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Press conference: the Dutch cabinet has fallen

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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Press conference: the Dutch cabinet has fallen

Following increasing pressure from the fallout of the childcare allowance scandal, Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s cabinet has fallen. The coalition agreed to resign following a cabinet meeting today. 

Rutte has addressed the nation in a press conference. He opens swiftly and gets right to business. “This cabinet is politically responsible for this horrible affair, so we resign.”

The cabinet has been crumbling for a while now due to controversy over the childcare allowance scandal. Yesterday, the leader of the Labour Party (PvdA), Lodewijk Asscher, resigned due to his role as Minister of Social Affairs during the scandal.

Today’s meeting saw the final blow to the cabinet. Rutte will now offer the cabinet’s resignation to the King. This will be the first time that King Willem-Alexander will receive a resignation from a Prime Minister since his reign started in 2013.

What now? And what about corona?

The coalition has decided to adopt a demissionary status. This means that the cabinet will no longer make large decisions and changes in policy.

However, when it comes to coronavirus, the cabinet will take on a missionary status so as to ensure important votes — such as those regarding coronavirus regulation — do not have to be delayed. This means that the cabinet will take on a caretaker role when it comes to matters involving coronavirus policy.

“Everything remains the same in that area. So for the corona plans there remains a majority in the House of Representatives.” The cabinet is said to have reached this decision “in good harmony and together,” one source tells the NOS.

The cabinet will hold this status until a new coalition can be formed after the next general election on March 17, 2021.

What was the scandal?

The childcare allowance scandal was the catalyst in this coalition’s collapse. What exactly happened here?

Parents in the Netherlands are usually granted allowances in order to cover the cost of daycare. However, following the release of a report titled, “Unprecedented Justice” last month, the Dutch government has been in hot water.

The report found that more than 20,000 working class parents in the Netherlands had been wrongly accused of fraud by the tax office. These parents were asked to pay back thousands of euros to the tax office, after it concluded that some form of fraud had been carried out.

However, in reality, many of these parents had not committed any fraud and were entitled to the allowances they had been initially granted.

Significant number of dual nationality parents

Of the 20,000 families who were wrongly chased down for fraud, 11,000 of those parents were found to be of dual-nationality. This is something that the tax authority has admitted following accusations of racial profiling.

For years, the tax office would not grant any appeals made by the families affected. As a result, some parents were forced to move homes in order to cover the costs.

The government believe the matter at hand is a political one, not criminal and so those involved in chasing these families will not be criminally prosecuted for the time being.

The government has now answered for this massive failure, one that Rutte acknowledged himself: “It is obvious that we didn’t live up to our standards or protect the citizens from the tax office.”

Further resignation

The Minister of Economic Affairs, Eric Derk Wiebes, has also resigned following the scandal. However, the details as to why have not been released. Rutte spoke of Wiebes’ departure during his address. “We will miss Wiebes,” said Rutte. Wiebes will discuss his resignation later today.

Justice for the parents

Besides corona, the demissionairy cabinet will also continue to focus on justice for the victimized parents, says Rutte.

Do you believe the Dutch cabinet should have fallen for this? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Feature Image: DutchReview/Screenshot. 

LIVE BLOG: Dutch cabinet falls, Prime Minister Rutte to offer resignation to king

DutchReview Crew
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LIVE BLOG: Dutch cabinet falls, Prime Minister Rutte to offer resignation to king

The Dutch cabinet has fallen just two months before national elections. Here’s what we know so far.

  • Prime Minister Rutte will offer the king the resignation of his cabinet.
  • The Dutch cabinet will fall following the childcare benefits scandal. It will remain in place over coming weeks in a demissionary capacity, although will continue to make decisions on coronavirus-related policy.
  • Minister of Economic Affairs Eric Wiebes has resigned effective immediately.


The live blog will load above with the latest updates and information.
Feature Image: DutchReview

Over a quarter of workers are asked by employers to go into the office

Brin Andrews
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Over a quarter of workers are asked by employers to go into the office

More than a quarter of people who can work from home in the Netherlands are being asked by their employers to come into the office, according to a new investigation by the CNV (National Federation of Christian Trade Unions in the Netherlands).

In the survey of 1,200 members who work from home, 42% of them do go into the office.

“While we are trying hard to fight the virus and the British corona variant comes at us as a threat, a large part of the home workers still often go to the office,” says Piet Fortuin, CNV chairman. “However, working from home is a quick win to beat the virus.”

“We call on everyone to take responsibility for this: employers and employees. Really work from home as much as possible.”

Struggles of working from home

Of the people working from home, 46% are having a harder time this January than they were earlier in the pandemic. “Many workers are quite done with it,” says Fortuin. “Working from home is a lot more pleasant when the spring sun illuminates your attic.”

And lack of sunlight is just one of the complaints people have voiced about working from home during this time. They also indicate additional physical ailments, with 38% of workers suffering from neck, shoulder, and arm complaints.

Further, 45% of home workers are still lacking workplaces that meet occupational health and safety standards.

Children at home

Parents with young children have additional challenges, of course, with the majority (60%) noting they have little time for themselves.

About a quarter (26%) of survey respondents stated that their employer does not consider the fact that they have children at home, and 15% of parents have to take off extra days from work to care for their children.

Record-breaking absenteeism

In fact, absenteeism is at a record high. According to Fortuin, “The absenteeism rate was higher than ever in 2020, if we continue like this we will break that record in 2021.”

Fortuin says psychological and mental complaints are the reason people will be missing work in the future. “Employers are responsible for providing the right resources for optimal working from home. This goes wrong, both mentally and physically, in about half of the cases.”

Calls for a calamity fund

The CNV has called upon the cabinet for a calamity fund for emergency relief. “From here, extra days off are financed to help parents through this period,” explains Fortuin. “We hope that this fund will take effect as soon as possible.”

Can you identify with any of these work-from-home complaints? Or have you been going into the office? Share your experience in the comments below!

Feature Image: Anastasia Shuraeva/Pexels 

Dutch prime minister wants a complete travel ban on all flights to the Netherlands

Emily Burger
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Dutch prime minister wants a complete travel ban on all flights to the Netherlands

Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte stated that if it were possible, he would enforce a ban on all flights travelling to the Netherlands immediately. 

This would be to stop all unnecessary travel — including holidays, reports Het Parool. Rutte expressed his frustration with how the Dutch people are behaving during the pandemic, flying to the Antilles for sun and the alps for skiing. “If it were up to me, there will be a flight ban now,” he says.

He calls these non-essential travellers “anti-social”, especially considering the threat of the new British strain of coronavirus.

The consequences of a complete travel ban

But Rutte admits that the price for such a ban would be high. “It has far-reaching consequences,” Rutte says. “Flying is also necessary to transport goods. Sometimes you have to deal with very serious private situations, which makes people want to travel too.”

Most freight cargo is transported in the belly of passenger aircraft, including healthcare materials. Schiphol is one of the largest hubs through which vaccines are being distributed around the world. Islands like Curaçao and Bonaire rely heavily on air freight for basic goods. Banning flights would thus cut many people off from much-needed supplies.

A ban would also damage flight companies like KLM, who are already relying on billions of euros from the government to stay afloat.

Is a flight ban even necessary?

All travellers arriving in, leaving from, or transfering through Schiphol must have a recent negative coronavirus test. As a result, the number of people infected at Schiphol is small. Of the 40,000 people passing through the airport every day, an average of only 15 people per day are infected there, according to the GGD. However, people who only become ill once they are home are not included in this statistic.

The concern, then, is that a travel ban would result in more negative consequences than positive ones.

Is a flight ban legally possible?

Due to the freedom of movement within the EU, imposing a complete travel ban would be difficult. However, the government can require that a negative test or vaccination certificate is necessary. But applying a ban to non-EU countries would be easier.

Regardless, for now, all Rutte can do is urge people not to travel until April.

What do you think of imposing a complete travel ban to the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below.

Feature Image: Alwin Kroon/Unsplash

Walking in a winter wonderland: possibility of snow in the Netherlands this weekend

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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Walking in a winter wonderland: possibility of snow in the Netherlands this weekend

If you can’t feel it in the air this morning — lucky you — but if you can, then you know that today is chilllyy. This chill will linger for the next few days and may even bring snow to the Netherlands this Saturday! 

It’s cold now, but today’s temperatures will be the balmiest ones you will see for the next few days. Tonight, a light to moderate frost will set in across the country with temperatures potentially reaching as low as -6 in the regions of Gelderland, Overijssel, Limburg and Brabandt.

This cold snap is set to last until at least Sunday or Monday, which will see “softer” temperatures, Wouter van Bernebeek, meteorologist at Weerplaza, predicts.

Time to break out the ice skates?

The drop in temperature over the next few days would not usually be welcome in our books, but given that it may spice up our lives with some ice and snow, we’ll make an exception.

Van Bernebeek predicts that this cold snap could lead to the creation of some rudimentary ice-rinks — so time to dust off those ice skates kiddos. “We are talking about three or four days of cold. That is enough to freeze a flooded pasture or a skating rink.”

This is especially the case if a freeing fog sets in during the daytime, which will see temperatures reach a maximum of 1-2 degrees.

Ok, but what about that snow?

Did someone say snow? Why yes, yes they did. Weer.nl predicts that this weekend has the potential to be a wintry one. Saturday morning will begin with some sunshine — so if you despise the snow, this is your window of opportunity to get out before that first fateful snowflake hits the ground.

However, as the day moves on, clouds are expected to come in from the west and meteorologists predict that this is when the magic will happen. They expect that the snowfall will begin in the late afternoon or early evening across the country.

The snow is also predicted last for a couple of hours — plenty of time to leave sufficient snowman ingredients (or at least 1-3 centimeters of snow according to meteorologists.)

Sunday, shmunday

Saturday may be your only chance to frolic in the snow, however. Sunday morning is set to see the snowfall washed away by the ever-present phenomenon of — you guessed it, rain. Temperatures are expected to warm up, reaching between 4-7 degrees during the day.

Are you excited to see some wintry weather? Or will you be waiting for the rain to take it all away again? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: J. Ketelaars/Pixabay

Amsterdam police gather in support of terminally ill 24-year-old

Brin Andrews
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Amsterdam police gather in support of terminally ill 24-year-old

Last night, Amsterdam police gathered on Dam Square in support of 24-year-old Melissa, who has leukaemia. They rounded up their patrol vehicles for a blue light show that won’t soon be forgotten. 

The terminal illness affects Melissa’s blood cells, “bad blood,” as she calls it in an interview with RTL. Doctor’s have given her just a few weeks to live.

She and her mother were spending the night in the Hotel Krasnapolsky, in front of Dam Square, when dozens of Amsterdam police cars came together to surprise her. In a special tribute to Melissa, they all lit up their blue lights.

Even with her devastating prognosis, Melissa likes to highlight “bright spots”, which does through her Instagram account Mijnkwaadbloed. “She shares bright spots, but there have been few recently,” the Amsterdam police write. “There’s one thing she does not want and that is to be forgotten when she is no longer there.”

The police concluded the message, “Dear Melissa, the world will not forget you.”

What do you think of the police tribute to Melissa? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Feature Image: DutchReview/Canva

Dutch coronavirus measures may only ease in March (at the earliest): OMT

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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Dutch coronavirus measures may only ease in March (at the earliest): OMT

Craving a sit-down meal in your favourite restaurant? Want to take a stroll with people from two different households? Don’t hold your breath — the OMT thinks March will be the earliest that coronavirus measures could relax. 

Last night, Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Minister for Health Hugo de Jonge formally announced the extension of the lockdown period.

The current lockdown was scheduled to end next Tuesday, January 19, but is extended until February 9.

Of course, we kindly suggest marking that date in your agenda in pencil — not pen. The Outbreak Management Team (OMT) believes that lockdown will extend all the way into March, at the earliest.

Numbers don’t lie

In the official weekly figures released yesterday, 1,503 people were admitted to general wards, an average of 214 per day. An average of 42 people were admitted to ICUs each day.

In the OMT’s advice to the Dutch cabinet, experts wrote that reaching the goal of 10 hospital admissions and 10 IC admissions per day will only be possible by early-March.

The number of admissions to hospital and ICUs has stabilized in recent weeks and we’ve begun to see a decrease, reports the NOS.

If the same rate of decrease continues the Netherlands could see three IC withdrawals each day by March 30. At that point, the coronavirus outbreak can be described as under control.

How do you feel about potentially being in lockdown for another six weeks? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: Alex Green/Pexels

Should I enrol my child in a Dutch school? 6 factors to help you decide (from an expert)

Brin Andrews
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3
Should I enrol my child in a Dutch school? 6 factors to help you decide (from an expert)

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to send your child to a Dutch school or an international school in the Netherlands.

We researched how expat parents can make the best choice for their families.

Here are six circumstances to consider when deciding where to enrol your child, as well as a handy pros and cons list — to make this important decision just a little bit easier.

Top 6 factors to consider when choosing a school for your child in the Netherlands

1. Consider your length of stay in the Netherlands

One of the first things to think about is whether you’ll be staying in the country for only a short time or settling in for a longer time. If short-term (less than three years), it may be easier to go to an international school, especially if you and your child already speak English. 

Otherwise, if you plan to stay in the Netherlands for longer than three years, a Dutch school can be a good plan for integration. Speaking Dutch opens all kinds of opportunities for your child to communicate with more people, and participate in sports and other after school activities. 

2. Contemplate the value of a “soft landing”

Moving to a new country is already a big change. If your child speaks English, consider the impact of language on your child’s social integration. At an international school, it will be easier to communicate and start making friends. This can also apply to you as a parent, as you’ll meet plenty of other parents in the same situation as you.

On the flip side, a soft landing can also be when a child learns Dutch and can play with the children on the playground and in sports or other after school activities. Keep in mind, in bigger cities, there can be over 20 nationalities in regular Dutch schools, so your child won’t be the only one from a different background.

3. Take your child’s age into account

From four to five years old, children pick up a new language with relative ease. Dutch schools focus on learning through playing, Dutch language acquisition, social and motor skills and gradual preparation for reading and writing. When it’s time to begin learning formal reading and writing at age six, children have developed the necessary foundation.

It’s also useful to know that most options for daycare or preschool are in Dutch. Other options are rare, so your child will already begin to learn the language before going to a primary school. 

From the age of six, to learn Dutch, children need to go to a Dutch language immersion class called Nieuwkomerklassen (in some cities from the age of four). After one year of immersion, children can attend their regular Dutch school and join their peers of the same age.

It takes more time for children age 10 and up to learn Dutch — they may need to repeat at least one school year. 

4. Weigh the difference in cost

There is a vast difference in costs among schools in the Netherlands. Dutch schools are government-funded. Parents pay a parental contribution that adds up to around €60 to €150 per year, and maybe a bit extra for “in-between school care” (caretakers during lunchtime). 

International schools come with a significantly higher price tag — between €4,500 and €23,000 each year. For the Dutch international schools on the lower end of the cost spectrum, you’ll need to fulfil certain placement requirements.

5. Contemplate the different curriculums

Dutch schools offer some unique choices for education. State-funded schools will often follow different philosophies, religions, and pedagogical principles, all within the Dutch curriculum. 

In secondary schools, there are further options for children who have already learned Dutch, which can be interesting if you plan to stay longer in the Netherlands. After the age of 12, children attend a secondary school with different levels (VMBO, Havo, VWO, Gymnasium). 

If you opt for international schooling, decide if your child would benefit most from an IB (International Baccalaureate), British, or American curriculum. You don’t need to be an expert in the distinctions between them, just keep in mind that your choice may make a difference if you anticipate another international move in the future.

It’s also helpful to consider if your child has the academic skills for an IB curriculum or whether you’d prefer a school where a vocational program is also available. 

6. Think about when you want to take your vacations

Dutch schools enforce strict attendance rules from the age of five. Your child will only be able to miss school for specific reasons, such as important celebrations or family emergencies. 

International schools also highly discourage absence but are not as strict in their policy. They also offer more flexibility with time off and longer breaks for summer and winter holidays (although school days do tend to be longer).

Pros and cons of sending your child do a Dutch school

Still looking for a bit more clarity? We’ve broken down some of the pros and cons of Dutch schools for expat parents to consider when making their choice.

Pros

  • Complete language immersion (the best way to learn a new language!).
  • Jumpstart integration into the Netherlands. Your kids will make Dutch friends, can join Dutch clubs, and you can meet Dutch parents.
  • In all bigger cities, there is a special language school for your children.
  • Easier on the wallet. 
  • Your child can become used to life’s twists and turns.
  • Location — there is always a Dutch school in your area.

Cons

  • It’s a big change. 
  • Potential setback while switching education systems/school years. 
  • Different curriculum when you move again.
  • Possibly repeat a year while learning Dutch. 
  • Changing schools after a year when attending a language school — the first year you often need to travel more.
  • You may find it difficult to understand your child’s homework assignments.
  • Fewer absences are permitted.

International school Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Your child has a soft landing, making friends and communicating with ease if they already speak English. 
  • Curriculum may be more compatible with a future international move.
  • Easier to transition later if you aren’t staying in the Netherlands long-term.
  • You can communicate easily with other parents.
  • Easier to excuse your child from school, if needed.
  • Longer breaks for summer and Christmas.

Cons

  • Can be significantly more expensive.
  • Fewer international schools in the Netherlands means you may have to travel further.
  • Can prevent children from learning Dutch.
  • If you plan to stay long-term, your child (and family) will have a slower integration into Dutch society.
  • Often longer school days.
  • If your child doesn’t already speak English it will be a difficult adjustment.

Every family has a unique combination of budget, age, native language, and duration of stay in the Netherlands. Consider what’s right for your family.

Have you had to make this challenging decision about where to send your child to school in the Netherlands, or are you currently trying to decide? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Press conference: lockdown extended until February 9, curfew remains on the table

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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4
Press conference: lockdown extended until February 9, curfew remains on the table

Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Minister of Health Hugo De Jonge have taken to the podiums once again to update the Netherlands on the latest coronavirus measures. Here’s what they had to say. 

Following a leak on Sunday, the country has anticipated that a three-week extension of the current coronavirus measures will be implemented. Rutte has formally confirmed this — but this comes as no surprise.

Last week, it was claimed that the “convincing effects” of lockdown could not be seen in the weekly numbers. For this reason, many of us were wondering what tonight’s press conference would bring.

The topic that concerned the prime minister and the health minister the most, however, was the new British variant of coronavirus and how it may affect the Netherlands.

Primary schools and daycare — will they reopen?

The more pressing issue of primary schools and daycare has been a topic of increasing concern over the past few days. Sources from The Hague had previously claimed that the government were considering reopening primary schools and daycare on January 25.

The prime minister has not shed much light on this issue but he has confirmed that if this is possible, it will indeed be considered.

Secondary education — keep 1.5 metres from other students

Primary and secondary education will remain open for vulnerable students, examination classes (in the case of secondary students) and pupils who follow practical training. However, they have been asked to maintain a 1.5-metre distance from their fellow pupils, as well as a five-foot distance from teaching staff.

For now, all other students are expected to return by February 9.

UK variant in the Netherlands

There has been considerable worry over the spread of the UK variant throughout the Netherlands. Last week, a school in Bergschenhoek suffered a widespread outbreak of the British strain.

This has led many to worry about the prospect of allowing children and infants to return to primary education and daycare. However, so far there has been no formal evidence to prove that children are particularly susceptible to the variant.

The prime minister has said that this is the main motivation behind the cabinet’s consideration of a curfew.

Will there be a curfew in the Netherlands?

Earlier today, RTL reported that the Dutch government is also considering the option of a nationwide curfew. Rutte addressed this, saying that the government will continue to consider this option.

There are some merits to a curfew, which need to be taken seriously,” the prime minister said, “because it’s a drastic measure.” However, the cabinet will await the advice of the OMT before making a decision on the matter.

When exactly the cabinet will receive this advice is uncertain. When asked, Rutte responded that “it might be as early as this weekend that we get the advice, but we will need to consider all facets and that will take some time.”

Mayors and government factions are putting up strong resistance to the cabinet’s plan. “You cannot ask this from people,” said one person in last night’s Security Meeting.

When asked about the government’s motivation behind the curfew, Rutte responds that the British variant is the reason behind this consideration — it is not simply because the government has run out of ideas.

Do not travel by plane until March

Rutte has also advised residents of the Netherlands not to travel by plane until March. That is, unless the travel is deemed absolutely necessary.

Currently, passengers flying into the Netherlands from high-risk areas (currently the entire world is high risk) must show proof of a negative coronavirus test that is no older than 72 hours.

Numbers are lower but not low enough

Health Minister Hugo De Jonge has described the current coronavirus numbers in the Netherlands as better this week than last week, but they’re still bad, and even worse than the first wave.”

He also added that the arrival of the British variant in the Netherlands adds to this worry. “The coming of the British variant is very troubling and we must fight this variant with the current measures.”

More testing needed

De Jonge also pointed out that the Netherlands is currently capable of carrying out 100,000 tests per day, yet only 50,000 tests are carried out. This is because people with symptoms are not getting tested, he claims.

He believes that more mass testing needs to be undertaken across the Netherlands. “More testing will lead to a better understanding about the virus, which, in turn, will lead to more containment,” he says.

More worryingly, De Jonge made sure to point out that more than a quarter of people who test positive for coronavirus are still going outdoors.

No end in sight — lockdown extended

The decision to extend lockdown has been met with opposition and a call for clarity by mayors. The mayors of the 25 security regions have raised concern over how and when the lockdown will end. “At the moment we support the lockdown, but it is about afterwards,” said Mayor Hubert Bruls, chairman of the Security Council. “People yearn for a different future.”

The prime minister has said the cabinet had “no other choice, especially considering the menacing threat of the British mutation of the virus.”

How do you feel about the extension of coronavirus measures in the Netherlands? Is a curfew necessary? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: Screenshot/DutchReview

Weekly update: deaths jump almost 20% as Dutch government mulls new measures

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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0
Weekly update: deaths jump almost 20% as Dutch government mulls new measures

Ahead of tonight’s press conference, the RIVM have released this week’s coronavirus infection numbers. The latest figures show that coronavirus infections across the Netherlands are generally falling — except for deaths. 

This week, 49,398 people contracted coronavirus in the Netherlands. This is down from last week’s numbers when 56,440 people tested positive. However, the Dutch government remains worried about the potential impact of the UK variant should it become widespread.

Hospitalisations

This week saw 1503 people admitted to hospital due to coronavirus. This is a reduction from last week’s figures of 1838. A further 297 people were sent to the ICU ward, a drop from last week’s number of 337.

Deaths

Deaths were the only figure that increased this week. The RIVM reports that 743 people passed away from coronavirus. The week prior was 621.

Three-week extension likely

On Sunday evening, it was leaked that the current lockdown measures will likely be extended for a further three weeks. This is because the “convincing effects” of lockdown have yet to be seen in the Netherlands.

We will find out more about this extension and any further measures at tonight’s press conference.

Infections and the British variant

There is some uncertainty over the effects of the British variant of the virus in the Netherlands. Recent reports from Great Britain show that the mutated strain may become dominant there within a few months, according to RTL.

However, separate data regarding patients currently receiving care in British hospitals reflects that the original strain is still widely circulating. Questions are now being raised about the contagiousness of the British variant.

Last week saw an outbreak of the variant at a primary school in Bergschenhoek, leaving many worried that children are especially susceptible to the variant. However, this has not been proven.

Potential curfew

The Dutch government is now considering implementing a curfew if current restrictions remain ineffective, RTL Nieuws reports. If a curfew is implemented, no one will be allowed on the street after a certain time unless they have an acceptable and approved reason.

The hope is that these restrictions would prevent people from visiting each other in the evenings. However, the implementation of a curfew would not be an easy task with mayors and government factions already voicing opinions against the option.

Follow DutchReview’s live blog to keep up with the latest coronavirus news and updates in the Netherlands.

Feature Image: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash

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