AMSTERDAM (Reuters) – The formation of a new Dutch government is set to begin on Tuesday after right-wing populist Geert Wilders’ surprising election win. Former government minister Ronald Plasterk has been chosen to explore potential coalitions.
Following Wilders’ upset victory on November 22, Plasterk, a former Labour party minister, has been appointed as the “scout” to examine the possibilities. This decision comes after a tumultuous week where outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s conservative VVD party ruled out forming a government with Wilders, limiting the options for the election winner.
Wilders’ PVV secured 24% of the vote, making it the clear winner, but it still needs support from more moderate parties to form a government. Wilders’ initial choice for scout had to step down before his first meeting due to reports of a fraud charge.
Parliament chairwoman Vera Bergkamp acknowledged the false start, emphasizing the need to redirect and commence the talks. Plasterk, who served as interior and education minister for Labour from 2007 to 2017, is known for being critical of his party in recent years as a columnist for the Telegraaf newspaper.
In his most recent column, published after the election, Plasterk expressed his belief that forming a government should be relatively straightforward as voters had indicated their desire for a right-wing government involving Wilders’ Freedom Party (PVV), the VVD, and the centrist NSC.
However, the formation of a government in the fragmented Dutch political landscape typically takes several months, and it is not yet clear if this time will be any different. New VVD leader Dilan Yesilogz has stated that her party would support measures proposed by a right-wing government but would not join a cabinet led by Wilders. NSC-leader Pieter Omtzigt has also indicated that cooperation with Wilders would be difficult due to his extreme stances, such as seeking a total ban on mosques and the Koran in the Netherlands, which would violate Dutch constitutional protections on freedom of religion.
Despite his election victory, Wilders has stated his intention to be a prime minister “for all” in the Netherlands and assured that his government would not implement any measures deemed unconstitutional. The Labour/GreenLeft combination, which emerged as the runner-up in the election, has ruled out collaborating with Wilders in any manner.
Plasterk is expected to present his findings on December 5, following which the parties viewed as forming the most viable coalition will commence negotiations for a government agreement. (Reporting by Bart Meijer; Editing by Frances Kerry)
