Netherlands: Coalition Government Formation Talks Begin

Rob Jetten, the winner of the parliamentary elections in the Netherlands, will appoint a 'scout' today to explore which political parties are ready to cooperate to form a coalition government.

The 38-year-old centrist political leader, who surprised by winning with a lead of fewer than 30,000 votes over Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders, could become the youngest prime minister of the fifth-largest economy in the European Union.

But he must first form a coalition, as the fragmentation of the Dutch political landscape has not allowed any party to secure a parliamentary majority. To secure the absolute majority of 76 seats in the 150-member parliament, the future government coalition must include parties from across the political spectrum, except for the far right: D66 of Rob Jetten (26 seats), the center-right CDA (18), the liberal VVD (22), and the left-wing Green/Labor alliance (20).

However, cooperation between the VVD and the Green/Labor alliance will be a difficult undertaking.

According to Dutch practice, the leader of the party that won the elections appoints a 'scout' who probes the intentions of the parties and determines who is ready to talk to whom.

According to Dutch media, the person who will play the role of scout is Wouter Koolmees, director of the national railway company NS, who has previously undertaken the mission for D66.

Only when the 'scout' has completed his mission and presented possible coalition schemes can the real negotiations begin.

Until the formation of the new government, the outgoing government of Dick Schoof will continue to manage current affairs.

Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ