Socio-Economic Policy

Abstract

On Tuesday, 18 September 1991, Queen Beatrix began her reading of the government’s annual budget message on a sombre note: 1992 will not be an easy year, either internationally or nationally. Our economy will receive a backlash similar to that which has taken place in other countries. After a number of good years, the threat of increased unemployment is hereby faced. Therefore, retention and growth of employment must be given first priority. This is in order to absorb the backlash now and to profit maximally from international economic recovery thereafter. Outside the Parliament buildings and around the country, large groups had gathered. They were already well aware of the stern measures that the Queen would soon announce, and were ready to begin their protest. Work was stopped in the Rotterdam harbour; buses and trams stopped running; teachers and professors stopped their classes to watch the televised address and discuss the problems with their students.