Dutch Queen Beatrix reads the Queen's Sp

Dutch Queen Beatrix reads the Queen's Speech to the members of the parliament in the Knights' Hall in The Hague 16 September 2003. The Dutch government, a strong proponent of EU rules on deficit limits, presented 16 September 2003 a 2004 budget bearing austerity measures even though the economy is in recession. In a speech read by Dutch Queen Beatrix, Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende said : "In order to be able to catch a glimpse off economic recovery, drastic measures are necessary. Almost all citizens will see their purchasing power eroded next year." AFP PHOTO CONTINENTAL (Photo credit should read STR/AFP via Getty Images)