Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte says both coalition parties, as well as the Freedom Party - which supports the minority cabinet in parliament - have agreed to stop speculating about where the next round of budget cuts will fall.

The prime minister, who made his comments during taping for a television programme, says more than enough possible policy balloons have already been floated; the Freedom party (PVV) want to see further cuts made to the development aid budget, the Christian Democrats (CDA) are considering cuts to the mortgage interest tax rebate programs while his own VVD want to see further cuts to the public broadcasting budget. Mr Rutte added "all the parties had to stop making bellicose speeches."

According to the prime minister, all three parties have agreed to refrain from speculation until it is clear whether or not it will be necessary to push through more cuts on top of the €18 billion that has already been cut.

Mr Rutte added that the economic situation should be clearer by February or March of next year.

jric
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