Almost half the Dutch (45%) expect there will be a new general election in 2007, according to a survey by Trendbox. Those polled said the results of last November’s election would not produce a majority cabinet. The Christian Democrats, Labour (PvdA) and orthodox Christian party ChristenUnie are due to resume talks on forming a new coalition on January 3.

In addition, 50% of those polled said they expected hardline integration minister Rita Verdonk to quit the VVD (Liberals). Verdonk lost out in the leadership contest for the party and went on to win more votes than party leader Mark Rutte in the November vote. Verdonk’s post-election attempt to take over the party failed.