Despite PVV leader Geert Wilders’s assurance that “the sun will once again shine in the Netherlands” now there is a new right-wing government, critics of the coalition’s plans foresee dark clouds ahead.

Trade union federation CNV is unhappy about plans to freeze the youth minimum wage and civil service salaries, and the cuts to unemployment benefits. There is no mention of early retirement for workers in physically demanding professions, and other urgent matters CNV chairman Piet Fortuin said. “It’s a crudely put together, cut back which will affect working people, particularly those on low incomes,” he said.

By cutting back on aid to developing countries the Netherlands is “shooting itself in the foot,” 11 aid organisations, including Save the Children and The Hunger Project said.

“A better world is important for the Netherlands as well, particularly in times of crisis when we need to invest in stability, peace and security,” they said in a joint statement. Unicef calculated that the Netherlands plans to shave off some €2.4 billion, or 35% off the current budget, an “incomprehensible” move, the organisation said.

Radical farmers’ organisation Agractie said the accord signals that “idealism is being replaced by realism”.

There will be no compulsory measures to reduce the amount of livestock or compulsory purchase orders for farms and farmers will be allowed to continue to use “red” diesel.  “We will have a long-term vision which will make clear which aims are feasible and affordable,” the organisation said.

Farmers’ organisation LTO is also happy with the accord, saying it will “give farmers a say in how to meet sustainability requirements instead of having to bow to generic legal demands”.

The next government’s plan to reduce nitrogen-based pollution where there is a “demonstrable need” has been received with trepidation by nature protection organisations Natuurmonumenten and LandschappenNL.

“The scarce and vulnerable nature” in the Netherlands will come under even more pressure, they said. “Unfortunately reducing nitrogen-based pollution is necessary practically everywhere and it is very worrying the cabinet is choosing prosperity over well-being,” they said.

Greenpeace also criticised the lack of environmental care in the accord, calling it “an attack on nature”. ‘This is a cabinet made up of ostriches who won’t acknowledge the problems and prevaricate”.

The organisation said plans to extract more gas in the North Sea are exacerbating the climate crisis. “This accord smells of fear for change and is harking back to a world that no longer exists,” Greenpeace said.

Engineering and technology employers organisation FME said it supports the cabinet’s emphasis on innovation and a better climate for international companies. But at the same time that sounds a bit hollow seeing that the National Growth Fund is being abolished, chairman Theo Henrar said. “Ambitions don’t pay themselves,” he said. “A strategic innovation policy costs money.”