Dutch Prime Minister: billion for unlucky generation of students is a 'concession'
The students who missed out on the basic student grant are going to receive about 1,000 euros, an amount opposition parties consider "a meagre tip". Photo: Pixabay
The declaration was made while the House of Representatives discussed the new cabinet's policy statement. The prime minister addressed the criticism from opposition parties, who said the government is fobbing off the so-called "unlucky generation" of students with a "rather meagre tip". Each student is expected to receive the equivalent of a thousand euros.
Besides stating that the billion euros are a concession rather than a compensation, the prime minister reminded the House that the amount has been reserved in addition to the budget for study vouchers, which would allow this group to continue their education.
Rutte opposed a motion presented by MP Sylvana Simons (BIJ1), who called on the government to compensate the students appropriately, aligning the compensation with what was given to the students who did receive a basic student grant.
When voting on the matter, most MPs sided with the prime minister. Coalition parties VVD, D66, CDA and ChristenUnie voted against the motion, as did SGP and Pieter Omtzigt.