Netherlands to Cut 25,000 Government Jobs with AI to Save €3.5 Billion

According to Bloomberg, the Dutch government has announced plans to bring in AI technology to boost work efficiency and streamline its agencies. Under the plan, the Netherlands will gradually cut 25,000 government jobs, about 16% of its government workforce, aiming to save €3.5 billion. The government hopes AI can raise productivity by 20%, and it plans to scrap or simplify 500 regulations each year. Besides job cuts, two employees will share one desk, idle office buildings will be sold, and IT systems will be standardized. Police and defense jobs won't be affected, but standing advisory bodies are not exempt. By the end of 2025, the Dutch central government had 160,000 employees, up 41% from 2018. The government has already passed several AI-related motions and will keep pushing for cost savings.