Brussels – The Netherlands is attempting to emerge from the political crisis triggered by Prime Minister Dick Schoof’s resignation after the far-right PVV party withdrew from the majority coalition. D66 (liberals), VVD (liberal-conservatives), and CDA (Christian democrats) have reached an agreement to form a minority coalition. The three parties will try to lead the country with a government that will have to constantly seek votes in Parliament, given that, together, they have 66 seats in the lower house, 10 fewer than the 76 required for control. In the upper house, on the other hand, they are 16 seats short.
“The new government team will have to work hard,” acknowledges D66 leader Rob Jetten, who has been nominated for the role of next prime minister. Nevertheless, “we think we can do it,’ he said, speaking to the Dutch press.
