Dutch coalition near collapse as 1 party is upset over tax deal with opposition

The Dutch coalition led by Prime Minister Rob Jetten is close to breaking up, less than nine months into its term, after two governing parties agreed a tax deal with opposition parties. The dispute exposes the fragility of a minority government and could lead to fresh elections next year.

D66 and the Christian Democrats say the plan raises taxes on the super-rich and cuts them for people on low incomes. The VVD says the agreement breaches the coalition pact and has called for a “fundamental reset”; the three-party coalition holds only 66 of 150 seats in the lower house.