Erasmus Extra

Every year on Prinsjesdag, the national budget sets out how Dutch taxpayers' money is being spent. However, it is never just about the figures. Emotions and expectations also play a significant role. In this episode, we speak to Professor of Economics Robert Dur. How does he look at the national budget plans? Are we heading in the right direction?

The coalition parties have failed to reach agreement, and according to Dur, this is reflected in the national budget plans. 'What we’re seeing now isn’t even an opening bid, but more like an interim result of the internal negotiations', Dur says. He believes the government is putting off major decisions and doing far too little to tackle the major challenges currently facing the Netherlands.

• Want to know more about other research? Visit our online magazine Erasmus Extra.

We all pay taxes. Yet, for many people, it is a tricky subject. Why is that? And is there such a thing as the perfect tax system? Because Prinsjesdag is around the corner, we put these questions to Professor of Tax Law Sigrid Hemels in the tenth episode of our science podcast, "Oh Ja Joh?!".

According to Hemels, it is hardly surprising that our tax system is complex. 'Our society is inherently complex, so the tax system is too. The simplest approach would be for every Dutch citizen to pay a single fixed annual amount, but that would mean someone living on benefits paying the same amount of tax as a millionaire. That would be unfair.' History shows that excessive inequalities are not accepted and can lead to revolt, examples being the Eighty Years' War and the French Revolution.

• Want to know more about our other research topics? Have a look at our online magazine Erasmus Extra.

We're living longer and longer. That's why it's more important than ever to be able to grow old comfortably in your own neighbourhood. But how do we create neighbourhoods where you can grow old in a healthy and happy way? And is there a "best" neighbourhood in Rotterdam to grow old in? Professor of Socio-Medical Sciences Anna Nieboer is researching this.

People in Rotterdam mention different things they feel they need: peace and quiet, greenery, safety, social contacts and good facilities keep coming up. 'We saw that in the research as well. What we as researchers found interesting is that older people sometimes value exactly the same things, but for very different reasons. Safety, for example, can be about having little nuisance, but also about having family nearby or feeling accepted and being able to be yourself in your neighbourhood,' Nieboer explains.

Want to know more about other research? Visit our online magazine Erasmus Extra.