A majority of Dutch entrepreneurs say they have little confidence in Economic Affairs Minister Maxime Verhagen’s proposed austerity measures.

The figures were published in a survey commissioned by commercial radio channel BNR Nieuwsradio and carried out by research bureau Intomart GfK.

Survey respondents said they were most worried about the intended cuts to public healthcare - more than 64 percent of those interviewed said healthcare should be exempt from further cuts. However, respondents did support an increase in taxes on energy and environmental pollution as long as there was an accompanying reduction in employment taxes.

More than 40 percent of Dutch entrepreneurs say they are not worried about the financial crisis. Of those who admitted they were concerned, less than a third believe their business will eventually go bankrupt.

The minister recently said he wanted to “spare and support entrepreneurs as much as possible” in the next round of government budget cuts.

(gsh/ae)

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