Economy set to dictate Dutch vote

THE ten million-strong Dutch electorate are expected to put the right-wing People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) into government as their concern shifts from immigration to the economy.

Although the Netherlands is among the least affected by the economic crisis, their unemployment rate is rising to 5% this year, their deficit to 6% and debt to 70%. The citizens are worried about the long-term effects.

Despite the ruling Christian Democrat (CCD) party carrying out a fundamental budget review, cutting government spending by 20% and proposing to raise the retirement age by two years to 67, they are expected to lose seats.