The Netherlands Government led by Mark Rutte collectively resigned on January 16, 2021 amid an escalating scandal over the mismanagement of childcare subsidies.
What is childcare subsidies scandal?
- The Netherlands tax office had accused over 26,000 Dutch parents of fraudulently claiming child welfare payments between 2013 and 2019.
- The office demanded repayments of tens of thousands of euros, driving many families into financial ruin and, in some cases, divorce.
- A parliamentary report called it an “unprecedented injustice” to claw back tens of thousands of euros without giving the accused a chance to prove their innocence.
- Dutch PM Rutte described the episode as “shameful.” After resigning from the post, the PM said that he would only stay on in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed following the upcoming general election.
