The popularity of the new coalition government (Christian Democrats, Labour and ChristianUnie) has risen massively according to a TNS NIPO poll commissioned by RTL Nieuws. Two-thirds of the population are now optimistic with the three-party combination compared to just 4% three weeks before the November 22 general election.

Three-quarters of the population said they had already seen, heard or read details of the coalition agreement before it was formally presented on Wednesday.
Of these, most (77%) were happy with the policies laid out for the coming four years, especially the fact that there is to be no change in mortgage tax relief and the extra spending announced for education. The amnesty for asylum-seekers remained controversial.
Overall, the proposed policies of Jan Pieter Balkenende’s fourth government score 6.2 with the general public, almost one point higher than his second and third administrations, the poll concludes. Over 60% of those questioned believe that the new cabinet will serve its full four years.