2023-11-29 18:30:08
In the election, right-wing populist Wilder’s party was clearly the strongest force – but he needs coalition partners to form a government. After the right-wing liberal VVD, the new Center Party has now also left.
Almost a week following his surprising election victory, the Dutch right-wing populist Geert Wilders is still looking for coalition partners. Now the new center party “New Social Contract” (NSC) has also rejected a coalition with the far right. “I don’t want to open negotiations at the moment,” said NSC chairman Pieter Omtzigt. He cited constitutional concerns as the reason.
The right-wing liberal VVD of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte had previously rejected a coalition with Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV). Wilders needs both parties for a stable majority.
It’s Wilders’ turn to form a coalition
Wilders’ anti-Islam party won 37 of the 150 seats in parliament last week. She became the strongest force. Traditionally, it is Wilders’ turn to form a coalition. He would need 76 seats for a stable majority.
Forming a government is traditionally difficult in the Netherlands because of the highly fragmented party system. Four or more parties are often needed to form a government.
Social Democrat should act as mediator
Wilders also encounters difficulties when looking for a mediator for the exploratory talks to form a government coalition. On Monday, shortly before the exploratory talks were actually scheduled to begin, Wilders lost his first candidate for the mediator role. Gom van Strien, a senator for Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV), announced his resignation following Dutch media reported fraudulent activities at his former company.
Now the task is to be taken over by Ronald Plasterk, a former minister from the Social Democratic Labor Party (PvdA). Wilders said he “thought it was a good idea to elect someone from another party.” He once once more declared his willingness to negotiate: “The voters want me to do my best to come to the negotiating table and then be involved in the state government in whatever way.”
The new explorer Plasterk is expected to hold talks with all group leaders and present his report on December 5th. Only then can the substantive discussions between the possible new coalition parties begin.
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