It has been a tradition for many years that before the third Tuesday of September, details of the plans presented by the Cabinet on Budget Day have already been leaked. This year was no exception. A few hours after the coalition parties signed the budget agreement last week, its contents took to the street.
When MPs then ask questions about the leaked information in the debates, they are always told that the Cabinet cannot say anything about it yet and that they must be patient until Budget Day. “I find it difficult as a Member of Parliament,” Umtzigt says in a debate with Foreign Minister Van Rig for Finance.
According to Omtzigt, this is not a mistake. “It really didn’t accidentally fall off the table somewhere.” He says it is not difficult to find out the source of the leaks. “These documents were only discussed with the coalition,” he added. Omtzigt wants to know what the government will do to prevent this from happening again.
‘Not entertaining’
Van Rig also says he is “not amused” that budget day plans are constantly leaked. “It’s a situation that serves no one.” The Minister of State promises to raise the issue in the next cabinet.
Omtzigt expects a serious response on how the Cabinet intends to prevent early leakage of budget day plans next year. “Because officially I can report a criminal offense against the entire coalition. These are leaked ministerial documents.”
In an explanation after discussion, Umtzigt says he does not actually intend to file a report.
