Support for Minister Klever's budget in sight after UNRWA deal
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World
December 5, 2024 00:20
the hague - Political parties in the Netherlands have reached a deal to support the budget of Minister Klever after uncertainties surrounding it due to a cut in funding for UNRWA.
The budget of PVV Minister Klever (Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation) seems to be closer to receiving sufficient political support after uncertainties. Parties have reached a deal on accelerating the reduction of subsidy to the controversial organization UNRWA.
According to sources in The Hague, an agreement was reached on Wednesday. The decryption is a condition set by JA21 and SGP. Support from these parties is crucial as the coalition does not have a majority in the senate. With the support of these two opposition parties, FVD, and another party in the Senate, the necessary 38 seats are secured.
In an amendment, SGP leader Stoffer and JA21 chairman Eerdmans propose to start paying less quickly. The proposal suggests reducing the annual contribution to UNRWA from 19 million euros to 9 million next year. In the following years, this amount would decrease further to ultimately 1 million in 2029.
Insiders report that the coalition now embraces this plan, seemingly saving Minister Klever's entire budget. The PVV Minister was troubled by Dutch support for the organization, especially after PVV leader Wilders wanted to cut off funding immediately.
The Dutch millions in support to the UN organization UNRWA sparked heated debates in the Second Chamber. Minister Klever continued to pay subsidies even after reports of a Hamas leader being active in the organization and has recently emphasized the responsibility lies with the Chamber.
"I also have concerns about a situation where UNRWA collapses, the organization is too big to fail," Klever previously told the Chamber. Initially, she wanted to continue payments temporarily. "Otherwise, the situation in the region will become even more unstable. That's why we will honor the previous commitment of 19 million euros in the coming years. I value our reputation for keeping our promises." The Chamber is reportedly now reducing that support. On Thursday, the Chamber will vote on the budget.