The Netherlands: Survey Shows Dutch Population In The Dark About Government Measures To Combat Economic Crises

EU-Digest

The Netherlands: Survey Shows Dutch Population In The Dark About Government Measures To Combat Economic Crises

The Netherlands Social and Cultural Planning Office (SCP) reported that based on discussions it has had with representatives from several sectors of the Dutch populace, the majority of them said they feel the Dutch Government has provided very little information about the actual measures taken by them to combat the economic crises. The report shows that overall opinion seems to be that the Government seems to have lost control over the situation and is postponing taking action to they could think of taken or proposed by the Government. The majority of the people interviewed also felt that the bailout of the banks by the Government did not benefit the consumer and they were critical about the high salaries and bonuses still being paid to people in the private and financial sectors.

When asked where they would cut costs 80% of the people interviewed said they would cut costs in foreign aid programs, while 76 % said the would cut cost from the military budget. On the other hand 82 % said they would increase the budget for health care. The Netherlands has a national health care system which is considered among some of the best in the world, but some of the home care programs require more funding to provide extended care.