Sigrid Kaag is the first female Minister of Finance in the Netherlands. Photo: Phil Nijhuis ANP

Finance Minister Sigrid Kaag told parliamentarians on Tuesday afternoon that the government can only remove some of the financial problems people face and the bill needs to be taken up by future generations.

“We cannot eradicate all the consequences of rising inflation and help everyone,” Kaag said in his speech, noting that money currently being used to boost purchasing power could not be spent on education and health care. I warned you that you can’t.

Dutch economic fundamentals are strong and the industry is recovering from the impact of the pandemic, Kaag told parliamentarians when presenting the government’s 2023 spending plan to parliament.

“That foundation gives us hope for the future and room for the present,” she said. ‘can handle this bDue to these exceptional times requiring exceptional measures, outstretched hand and solidarity. ‘

At the same time, she said, it is the government’s duty not only to help those in need today, but also to invest in tomorrow.

Governments will therefore spend €35 ​​billion to make the country climate neutral by 2050. Another “billions” will be spent on education and ensuring equal opportunities, and another €5 billion on national defense. The minister said it would be allocated to

‘The Netherlands is a resilient country,” she said. ‘When politicians, businesses and society work together, and strong shoulders bear the heaviest burden, we can accomplish much.