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HOMEMarathon healthcare debate begins
By The Holland Times Mon. 18 June 2012
The Socialist Party (Socialistische Partij, SP) and Freedom Party (Partij voor de Vrijheid, PVV) today began their hours long debate in protest against changes to the Dutch healthcare system.
The SP had originally asked for eight hours to debate the issue, with the PVV calling for another seven, according to reports in de Volkskrant. The requests were granted, but with the condition that the debate occurs outside of regular meeting times. As such, the SP took to the podium at 10:00 this morning to begin a process that is set to continue until 23:45.
The PVV are reportedly unhappy with the way the debate is unfolding; as their plans to use the American model of filibustering to prevent any movement on the planned changes will not work out this way.
Meanwhile, the SP has taken the opportunity to "give the people a voice" and is presenting the cases of ordinary people who will be affected by the proposed changes.
Currently, government plans are to raise the own risk element of the standard Dutch health insurance, meaning that people will have to cover more of their medical costs out of their own pockets in addition to paying for insurance every month.
(Photo: Tax Credits)
