The former Christian Democrat prime minister Ruud Lubbers and Labour prime minister Wim Kok are to take over the cabinet formation process as it moves into its next stage, BNR Nieuwsradio reported at the weekend, quoting the PvdA’s Peter van Heemst. However, sources in The Hague said this was pure speculation. It was unlikely such heavyweights would get involved, sources said.

The CDA and PvdA are being joined by the orthodox ChristenUnie party for more detailed talks on likely cabinet policy. They will meet informateur Rein Jan Hoekstra today.
ChristenUnie leader André Rouvoet, who saw his party’s representation in parliament double to six, said at the weekend that ‘medical ethical questions’ were high on his party’s wish-list in the formation talks. ChristenUnie is opposed to abortion and euthanasia.