Netherlands
Wilders does not rule out minority cabinet
“Anything goes,” says Dutch right-wing populist Geert Wilders. photo
© Koen Van Weel/ANP/dpa
After his election victory, the right-wing populist is looking for a coalition with a majority. But other parties have great doubts.
A week after his big election victory, the Dutch right-wing populist Geert Wilders did not rule out a minority government. “Everything is possible,” said the politician on Wednesday in The Hague. “But I prefer a majority government.” Wilder’s anti-Islam party PVV won 37 of the 150 seats. For a majority he needs at least two other parties.
The first phase of government formation began on Wednesday morning. A discussion leader should find out from the parliamentary groups which coalition has a chance and present his report next week.
Wilders wants to negotiate with three parties, the right-wing liberal VVD of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte, the new center party NSC and the protest party Bauer Bürger Movement BBB.
Rutte’s VVD party is initially refusing to take part in the government because of its losses in the election, but would support a minority government. NSC also has concerns about working with the radical right-wing PVV because of their anti-constitutional positions.
Wilders renewed his willingness to compromise. He had previously said he wanted to put on hold calls for a ban on the Koran and the closure of mosques.
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