Netherlands Unveils Virus Rescue Package Worth Tens of Billions
Wouter Koolmees, social affairs and employment minister, from left, Wopke Hoekstra, finance minister, and Eric Wiebes, economic affairs minister, hold a news conference in The Hague, on March 17.
Photographer: Phil Nijhuis/AFP via Getty Images
The Dutch government has announced a rescue package designed to shield companies from the impact of the coronavirus that Finance Minister Wopke Hoekstra said is unlimited but will likely cost tens of billions of euros.
The government is working on eight measures, including a fund that makes it easier for firms to request compensation for lost revenues and helps them pay wages, Hoekstra said Tuesday at a news conference. Self-employed people will also have access to government cash if they earn less than the minimum wage.