The Netherlands: Jetten government up and running
Prime Minister Rob Jetten's new government has been sworn in in the Netherlands today after his left-liberal party, D66, won a narrow victory against the right-wing populist PVV in elections last October. Following lengthy negotiations, D66 and the centre-right parties VDD and CDA have agreed to form a minority government. The national press examines the chances of this coalition being able to pursue constructive policies.
Returning to a culture of consensus
De Volkskrant is cautiously optimistic:
“One can only hope that the former culture of consensus, which has been unjustly pushed into the background in recent years, will make a comeback. ... Jetten is an optimistic man who won the election thanks to his positive message. He will have to keep in mind that it was a narrow victory. A large majority of the population longs for constructive politics. In the Netherlands, a country of coalitions, it will be more important than ever to reach out to one another.”
Great expectations, little leeway
In view of the inevitably complex negotiations, NRC expects frustration and political tensions:
“The government must constantly weigh up the wishes of those outside and inside the coalition. ... One could say that a government that raises such high expectations in such difficult political circumstances is bound to disappoint voters. On the other hand, it won't go down well if the opposition parties simply say 'no' to the government's plans without offering any alternatives. If the political deadlock were to continue, they too could be held responsible.”