Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten will not attend the COP31 climate summit in Antalya, Türkiye, as he focuses on securing parliamentary support for his government’s tax plan. Originally scheduled to participate in the conference on November 11, Jetten has decided to remain in the Netherlands due to the impending vote in the Tweede Kamer, the country’s lower house of parliament, on Thursday.
The tax plan’s approval is uncertain, with the government still striving to gather majority backing in the Tweede Kamer. Support in the Senate is also in question, adding to the urgency of Jetten’s presence in domestic political negotiations. During this period, he will engage in discussions with ministers, trade unions, and business organizations in The Hague to bolster the proposal’s chances.
The COP31 summit, running from November 9 to November 20, serves as a platform for world leaders to address global climate challenges. Jetten’s absence underscores the critical nature of the domestic tax plan, which is a priority for his administration at this juncture.