CDA’s election program backs mortgage deduction cut, plans tax shift
In its new election program, the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) backs a gradual cut to the mortgage interest deduction, a move that could cost new homeowners around 5,000 euros per year. The party plans to use the funds freed up by this measure to reduce income taxes, AD reported. “I realize this is a difficult measure, but we must do what is necessary,” party leader Henri Bontenbal said.
The party’s program also addresses the nitrogen crisis, siding with a plan supported by the agricultural organization LTO. Forced buyouts of farmers could be implemented in extreme cases from 2030, and a nitrogen fund would return to help agricultural businesses reduce emissions.
Maintaining its family-oriented image, the CDA emphasizes social cohesion and responsibility. “The family is the strength of society,” the program notes.
National security and civil preparedness feature prominently. The party proposes reinstating mandatory military service and empowering neighborhood crisis teams during disasters.
It also calls for nationwide emergency exercises, including full-scale power outages. Defense investments and meeting NATO standards remain non-negotiable, financed through a “freedom contribution,” with Eurobonds also left open for discussion.
On foreign policy, the CDA takes a more critical stance toward Israel. The party supports recognizing a Palestinian state, with conditions excluding Hamas and other terrorist organizations, and proposes a ban on imports from illegal settlements.
Other proposals in the election program include taxes on vacant buildings and stricter rules for children earning money on social media. The party also wants tighter regulations for financial influencers and the reintroduction of Zilvervloot savings.
CDA aims to expand audiodescription programs on television and require drug users to attend courses. The program also calls for providing free fruit in schools and raising the tobacco age to 21.
The party proposes banning loot boxes and Buy Now Pay Later services, ending the cannabis experiment while introducing a cannabis tax, and eliminating CO₂ levies. It also plans to make bereavement and caregiving leave easier to access.
Finally, the program includes implementing peak-hour traffic charges and reversing reductions in the healthcare deductible.
The party has faced turbulence in recent years, dropping from fifteen to five seats in the last election amid the nitrogen debate, but current polls show a rebound putting the CDA on par with the VVD.
Bontenbal signaled a willingness to chart new positions on contentious issues. The party voted against stricter asylum laws that would criminalize aid to rejected asylum seekers while insisting noncompliant asylum seekers should be held accountable.
The program supports maintaining the dispersal law, expediting employment for high-potential asylum seekers, requiring employer-funded language courses for migrant workers, and stripping dual-nationality terrorists of Dutch citizenship.
