GroenLinks partly returns to the plan to give young people 10,000 euros as a gift on their 18th birthday. At first the youngsters were still free to spend the money, but that is changing. Up to the age of 23, the money can only be used for study and training. Millionaires still have to pay for the costs: 2.2 billion.
The striking plan stirred up a lot two months ago. Critics argued that it could disrupt families and claimed that it is actually good for a young person to start out ‘poor’. Others thought 10,000 euros in starting money was not high enough for every 18-year-old.
Tinkering
In recent weeks, GroenLinks has worked on the plan together with the youth department. While the youngsters were initially free to spend the money, the new version will have conditions for the first five years. The starting capital may only be used for tuition fees, tuition fees or study costs.
From the age of 23, when many young people leave home, they are free to spend the money.
‘Made better’
GroenLinks leader Jesse Klaver explains: “Young people indicated that 18 years old is sometimes too young to make wise choices and that at this age it can put too much pressure on families with a debt problem.”
The plan that caused controversy, he says, has been ‘made better’. The seed capital is funded by millionaires. They have to pay 1 percent extra tax on their assets annually. Multi-millionaires 2 percent.
Important theme
Young people and their future is an important theme for GroenLinks in the coming period. “In the past decade, insecurity and inequality among young people have increased,” says Klaver.
The party therefore wants to promote equal opportunities for young people. Klaver: “With our plan for a start-up capital, we have put growing inequality on the map. More and more people are finding that your chances in the Netherlands are also determined by where you were born, what your parents earn and whether you are going to study. ”