DutchNews.nl - Work starts on forming right-wing coalition

Leiden University professor Uri Rosenthal, the man appointed by queen Beatrix to begin putting together a new coalition government for the Netherlands, is to look at an alliance between the right-wing Liberals and anti-Islam PVV as his first priority.

Beatrix has reported urged Rosenthal not to take too long given 'the difficult situation the country is in'.

If it becomes clear the VVD and PVV can work together, he will then talk to the Christian Democrats about their support for a right-wing coalition. Such a coalition would have just 76 out of 150 seats in parliament.

In addition, at the weekend a number of prominent CDA members said they would not agree with the formation of a cabinet including the PVV, whose leader Geert Wilders wants the Koran banned and a tax on the wearing of Muslim headscarves.

Former foreign affairs minister Peter Kooijmans said in the NRC such a coalition would be 'unacceptable' while a number of MPs are threatening to quit the party, the Volkskrant says.

On Monday Rosenthal will hold talks with the leaders of the 10 parties represented in parliament, starting with those which made gains in last Wednesday's general election: the PVV, VVD, D66 and GroenLinks.

VVD leader Mark Rutte, who is set to be the new prime minister of the Netherlands, wants a new coalition in place by July 1.

definitely no way for CDA to join the coalition with PVV!!!

My vote wasn't to PVV but they are willing to change their policy of AOW from 65 to 67, because they want to join the coalition!? So, are they going to change no Koran banned and no tax on the wearing of Muslim headscarves too!? What kind of party is that?? They won those votes but now change their policies!? This is politic, not a game - it's a pretty lame announcement!

By ckm | June 14, 2010 9:11 AM

ckm - any and all parties will do whatever it takes to get/keep power. Just watch VVD manipulate their platform.

My guess - new elections within 12 months. Maybe soon if no cabinet formed.

In the meantime we still have JPB, loser, as PM

By bobsocks | June 14, 2010 11:36 AM

More Mickey Mouse Politics from The Netherlands, I strongly suspect another election in one year. Even, if they manage to throw together a mixed coalition of sorts. But, the people have spoken, they want an end to immigration, the Socialists need to take that into consideration otherwise, they will lose badly next time around? But what a ludicrous situation.

By Gerry | June 15, 2010 12:07 PM