Almost three weeks after right-wing populist Geert Wilders’ election victory in the Netherlands, the formation of a government under his leadership appears to have moved a little closer. A coalition between Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV) and three parties from the civil-right spectrum should be possible, said former minister Ronald Plasterk, who was in charge of the exploration, in the evening.
According to the ANP news agency, he also thinks that it has to happen that way, said the Social Democrat. “The country must be governed.” However, forming a government under the given circumstances “will not be child’s play”. Plasterk referred to fundamental concerns raised by the center-right New Social Contract (NSC) party about a number of ideas in the Wilders party’s program.
More right-wing than ever before
The PVV emerged as the strongest force in the elections on November 22nd, winning 37 of the 150 seats in parliament. According to his own statements, Wilders would like to govern with the right-wing liberal People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte as well as with the NSC and the smaller right-wing populist peasant movement BBB. It would be the most right-wing government the country has ever had.
In his report to parliament, the explorer recommended that potential partners check before coalition negotiations whether they can agree bindingly on compliance with the principles of the rule of law. They should then examine the extent to which their positions on issues such as migration, social security, public finances, internal security and environmental protection can be reconciled.
As the broadcaster NOS reports, the VVD is so far only prepared to tolerate a minority government of PVV, NSC and BBB led by Wilders, without involving its own ministers. The NSC party is “possibly” ready for such a construction. According to Plasterk, further explorations could take two months. At the beginning of February it should become clear whether the four parties are ready to negotiate the contents of a coalition.
