Netherlands: Dutch Political Parties to Form Minority Government

Leaders of political parties in the Netherlands have agreed to form a rare minority coalition government, comprising the Democrats 66 (D66), the Christian Democrats, and the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). Rob Jetten, leader of D66 that won the parliamentary elections in October, is likely to be the new prime minister. The coalition will hold only 66 seats in the 150-seat lower parliament. Increased political fractures in the Netherlands have made it difficult for parties to form a majority coalition. Since the minority government lacks a majority in the upper house, it would require opposition support to pass key legislations.