Look, we like that. The 2015 Speech from the Throne clearly mentions the situation of young parents. King Willem-Alexander has literally indicated that in a demanding period of their lives, young parents are given more room to combine work and family. This statement is supported by several factors.
The speech from the throne states, among other things, that the childcare allowance will increase. For families in which both parents work - for whatever reason - that is of course a big plus. In addition, there will be extra places for toddler care that are affordable for all parents and the maternity leave for fathers will be extended.
A while ago there was already talk of an extension of paternity leave and we wrote a blog about it. The European Parliament is even aiming for 2 weeks for the father. It is not yet clear whether this will actually happen, because the above points have not yet been discussed in the speech from the throne. But the start has been made. In the coming year, measures will be taken to create space for combining work and family. Hip hip hooray!
Away from the speech from the throne… or well, not apart from the speech from the throne but apart from the content 😉 . There is already enough 'found' of Queen Maxima's outfit, this time mainly about her gloves. But I thought they looked great again. Stop whining people and be happy that we have such a woman to represent our country.