The Dutch right-wing parties that have been in coalition talks for months following Geert Wilders’ shock election victory will form the next government “as soon as possible,” according to the head of a pro-business party.
 
“As far as the VVD is concerned, we are now finalising everything and there will be a cabinet as soon as possible,” Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius, leader of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy, or VVD, said in a post on social media platform X on Monday.

“We are starting the final phase” of the coalition talks, Yesilgoz-Zegerius added.

Wilders, whose far-right Freedom Party captured the most votes in the November elections, faced multiple setbacks when trying to forge alliances to form the next government. The controversial politician in March was forced to abandon his bid to become prime minister in order to advance talks with coalition partners, a move that he argued was “undemocratic”.

Since then, Wilders’ Freedom Party, the VVD, the centre-right New Social Contract and the Farmer-Citizen Movement have been negotiating to form a so-called programme cabinet that is based on a less-binding coalition agreement. The coalition negotiators are expected to present a report on the latest round of talks by May 15.

The party leaders have agreed to stay out of the next cabinet. The new cabinet is expected to include a mix of ministers who are affiliated with political parties, as well as those from different fields. Wilders would get to make key decisions behind the scenes along with his three coalition partners, who will get to tap the new prime minister and other ministers.

In the Nov 22 election, the Freedom Party won around 25% of the parliamentary seats - more than any polls had predicted - making it the biggest party in the lower house. As negotiations drag on, the latest polls indicate that support for Wilders is growing.
 

  - Bloomberg