The NSC party wants to raise the minimum wage, simplify taxes, and build housing.
The Dutch right-wing centrist party NSC proposed raising the minimum wage to 18 euros per hour and including dental check-ups in the basic health insurance package in its draft election program. The party was founded two years ago by former Christian Democratic Appeal MP Pieter Omtzigt, and has scaled back its plans for constitutional reform to focus on improving basic living standards, known as bestaanszekerheid.
The NSC aims to simplify the tax system by phasing out the complex tax credit mechanism and eliminating incentives that do not achieve their intended goals. The tax credit mechanism was at the center of the childcare benefits scandal, which caused financial ruin for many families after they were falsely accused of fraud and ordered to repay tens of thousands of euros. However, the party does not plan to abolish the controversial mortgage tax exemption system, which critics say has contributed to rising home prices and increased income inequality.
Since the general elections in November 2023, support for the NSC has significantly declined. The party won 20 seats shortly after its establishment, but polls indicate a possibility of its disappearance in the upcoming elections scheduled for October 29. The party's short history has seen conflicts between Peter Omtzigt and other coalition leaders, including Geert Wilders from the PVV, and Omtzigt resigned from politics in April after several absences due to mental exhaustion.
The party has also lost several deputies and potential candidates. The spokesperson for asylum affairs, Diederik Bomsma, joined the anti-immigration party JA21, pension specialist Agnes Joseph moved to the farmers' party BBB, and Aant Yil Sobieur left parliament to become the leader of the Frisian National Party (FNP). Party leader and interim Minister of Social Affairs Eddy van Hijum stated that the NSC focuses on continuity, with many sections of the draft program, consisting of 93 pages, remaining unchanged from the 2023 version.
Regarding immigration, the NSC proposes to reduce the number of international students and migrant workers and set a net immigration target of 50,000 people annually. The party also supports increasing defense spending to meet NATO's target of 5% of GDP, including 1.5% for critical infrastructure, and investing in more affordable housing. Although no precise financial details have been provided yet, Van Heugten plans to have the economic agency CPB evaluate the draft. Party members will discuss the draft and vote on it on September 6.