This is polderpolitiek at its worst. The reason why we don't need minority governments under PR systems is that the process forces a government of concensus to be formed. Dialogue and concessions should be made by each party in the hope of finding a unified government.

The other benefit is that the more extreme/unworkable/unpopular facets of any party's manifesto are pared down during the cabinet formation process.

Here we have the idiotic proposal that whilst not actively participating in the cabinet (since finding any capable people wthin his party will be impossible), the PVV holds the balance of power.

How ridiculous is that? This stuff should only happen under systems like the FPTP used in the UK whereby (for example) a bunch of bowler-hat wearing hardcore religionists happen to provide the 12 or so MP's that a very unpopular government needs for a lower house majority.

The next option is codified in the dutch political process. They MUST now officially invite the 2nd party to try to form a government.

Not that I trust Mr U-turn Cohen any more than his predecessor Mr Trust-me-not Bos. But heck, that option is better than having the PVV hold the balance of power.

Nutty politics in effect here. Nutty.

By john e boy | July 30, 2010 10:52 AM

This is a great compromise. Tough actions need to be taken; and can now be taken with an internal political version of plausible deniability. It is painful but true: Holland must maximize what little testosterone remains while placating thumb-suckers like "john e boy" if it is to survive.

By mark schwartzberg | July 30, 2010 8:10 PM

I think the raeson why few people are talking about giving Cohen a chance to form a government is that there is probably no majority government he can form.

Purple-plus has been ruled out (perhaps unless new elections are held). The coalition of CDA, PvDA, and VVD seems to not be an option also.

That would leave some type of coalition with the CDA and several left wing parties, which seems unlikely.

There are basically only three options (or variations of the options):

Purple-plus

CDA, PVV. VVD (perhaps a minority government as the article suggestions)

Then there is CDA, PvDA, VVD (possibly also with Greens and/or something else at PvDA's request).

Number 1 & 3 seem to be ruled out for now. If 2 is ruled out then new elections may have to come.

By ZL | July 30, 2010 8:14 PM

ZL

of course there is the chance that Cohen can form a government.

The key is to leave out the VVD who don't seem willing to compromise and then work from there. The rump of the CDA have proven to be as pliable as you like, as long as the prospect of power (sharing) is on the table.

That gives you 52 seats already, not far from the goal of 76 to form the majority needed.

mark schwartzberg, normally i'd just ignore your trite comments but care to elaborate on what makes me a thumb-sucker?

see if can post something less than moronic....

By john e boy | August 2, 2010 2:32 PM