Talks on forming a new government start up again on Tuesday between the VVD, CDA, D66 and GroenLinks.

GroenLinks leader Jesse Klaver, who pulled out of the talks last week when his mother was taken ill, will be at the negotiating table, although his mother’s condition is still serious, broadcaster NOS said.

Commentators say this week’s talks are seen as crucial ahead of a week long break for the May holiday.

‘If the four parties come to the conclusion that they do not wish to work together, they need to break off the talks this week,’ NOS correspondent Joost Vullings said. ‘It would be stupid to have a week off and then say that you don’t wish to continue.’

Edith Schippers, who is leading the negotiations, said last week the four parties are serious about forming a new alliance, even though they have major differences of opinion on some subjects.