Alexander Pechtold, leader of the D66 Liberal democrats, has become the second party leader to make demands in return for support for future government policy.

Pechtold, whose party has joined forces with the government in drawing up labour market and pension reforms, told the Telegraaf he wants more tax cuts to guarantee his future support for the coalition.

The coalition does not control the upper house of parliament and needs opposition party support.

Immigration

Earlier this week, Arie Slob, leader of the minor Christian party ChristenUnie, said he would only support future plans if the government dropped its commitment to making it a crime to be in the Netherlands without proper papers.

Pechtold told the Telegraaf tax cuts are necessary to boost employment and the economy.

‘We want a cut in the lowest tax band of €1bn,’ he told the paper. The lost income would be offset by lowering healthcare and social security benefits, he said.