The largest opposition party, VVD, kicked off the debate, and as was to be expected, party leader Marijn de Pagter was critical. “Many residents of Utrecht, Vleuten and Merenezen do not notice this agreement except that they pay for it through absurd tax increases, cutbacks in our outdoor space and cutbacks in supervision and enforcement,” said De Pagter, who argues for extra investments in enforcement. The Utrecht VVD is concerned about an important task of the city council, budget law. “The city council really needs to take a firmer position in that area – and closely monitor the new council. Many council proposals still contain ambitions without money, and at the same time a lot of money that has been reserved in advance for certain ambitions is not spent.”
Utrecht politicians engaged in marathon debate about the future of the city
