Edith Schippers takes up formation challenge again

Photo: Regering.nl
Photo: Regering.nl

Edith Schippers has again been nominated as ‘informateur’ or coalition broker by the lower house of parliament at the special request of VVD leader Mark Rutte.

Schippers is expected to start talks with parliamentary party leaders on Thursday to test the waters for a new round of coalition talks. The first attempt to form a government included VVD, CDA, D66 and GroenLinks but foundered over immigration issues.

Insiders expect the ChristenUnie will take the place of GroenLinks at the negotiation table.

However, D66 in particular has difficulties with ChristenUnie’s stance on ethical issues such as euthanasia and that could prove a major stumbling block. A coalition with ChristenUnie would also give the alliance a majority of just one seat in both houses of parliament.

PVV leader Geert Wilders on Tuesday again referred to his willingness to join the talks. His party, he said, is also keen to see a tough immigration policy. ‘We can agree on that within a day,’ Wilders said.

The leaders of the other main parties have all said they will not work with Wilders, who pulled out of a previous coalition, forcing early elections.

Thank you for donating to DutchNews.nl.

We could not provide the Dutch News service, and keep it free of charge, without the generous support of our readers. Your donations allow us to report on issues you tell us matter, and provide you with a summary of the most important Dutch news each day.

Make a donation