Dutch budget talks begin: Jetten's minority cabinet enters crucial test as opposition negotiations get underway

On Monday, Prime Minister Rob Jetten’s minority cabinet begins crucial talks with opposition parties over the 2027 budget. But with budget deficits under pressure and coalition partners short of a parliamentary majority, can the government persuade opposition leaders to back its plans? How much room is there for concessions? And is the cabinet underestimating the price of securing support? The answers could determine whether the Netherlands heads into Prinsjesdag with a workable budget or a political crisis.