Measures to make the Dutch king and the rest of his immediate family pay income tax have come a step closer now there is a two-thirds majority in favour in both houses of parliament, Report informs via The Dutch News.
D66 parliamentarian Joost Sneller is now introducing draft legislation that would ensure the king pays his way. The measure requires a change to the constitution and that can only be done by a two-thirds majority.
“It is important that the king pays income tax as well,” Sneller told the paper. “Teachers and police officers do so, and everyone contributes to public services.”
There has been pressure to make the royal family pay income tax for years but the lack of a two-thirds majority was used by prime minister Mark Rutte to head off the calls.
However, three of the four parties now in talks on forming a new coalition government – NSC, BBB and the PVV – all back ending the current exemption.
The royals don’t pay tax on part of their income, including the money they are allocated by the state for their personal staff and other amenities to do with their public role. The amount they are receiving is currently €8.9 million a year because princess Amalia has renounced her allowance until she graduates.
The royal family’s popularity has seen a decline in recent years, a survey by Ipsos carried out on budget day this year showed. Just 50% of respondents said they were in favour of a continuation of the monarchy. When Willem-Alexander became king 10 years ago some 80% supported the monarchy.