The outgoing government recently chose to negotiate with Tata on a sustainability plan to which the government is also contributing. Depending on the results, the state treasury bill may reach about 3 billion euros.
Today, the House of Representatives will discuss the assignment that negotiators will send on behalf of the government.
“It involves a lot of public money.”
As far as PVV MP Rachel van Meetelen is concerned, Tata is paying for as much of the plans as possible itself. The government's contribution must be based on demonstrable results in sustainability and improving the health of local people.
If Tata eventually decides to leave the Netherlands, it will have to repay the subsidies paid, according to the PVV.
“It involves a lot of public money,” National Security Council member Femke Zedek confirms. “We ask every citizen of the Netherlands to contribute a few hundred euros from their own wallet to a company that has also received a lot of negative press. This requires extra care.”
A look at Zeedijk's annual report also shows that the company is in excellent financial shape. “Tata house, no mortgage, but with a very bad energy card,” she concluded. Thanks to its “extremely rich” parent company from India, Tata should also be able to finance a significant portion of the required investments itself.
The left also wants difficult negotiations
The Left Opposition also supports tough negotiations and is pushing for more government control over Tata. “Especially when it comes to billions of dollars,” says Joris Thiessen of GroenLinks-PvdA. As far as SP is concerned, the Cabinet provides for an equity interest to the government. “For every euro of support, democratic control must be restored.”
VVD member Silvio Erkens warns other parties against making too stringent demands. “It's probably well-intentioned, but if it causes the company to decide not to do a custom agreement, then we have a problem with each other.” He fears that Tata will never become more sustainable and will disappear within a few years.
