A debate about the current politic crisis is being held in the lower house of the Dutch parliament. 

Prime Minister Mark Rutte will be questioned about the fall of his government over the weekend. The minority government was unable to reach agreement on additional spending cuts necessary to bring the budget deficit down to the European Union's limit of 3 percent. 

The government fell when Freedom Party (PVV) leader Geert Wilders rejected the proposed deal. The PVV was not officially a part of the government but the minority coalition needed the party's support in parliament. 

On Monday, Prime Minister Rutte submitted his cabinet's resignation to Queen Beatrix. Behind the scenes in parliament, there is discussion about when elections should be held. The free-market VVD party and the Socialist Party would like to see elections held before the summer, but other parties say that is too soon and September would be a better date. Labour initially favoured an early election, but changed its mind "to avoid endless squabbling about the date". Observers say a majority for an autumn election is now likely.

Rutte and parliament will also attempt to come up with budget cuts and other reforms that would win the approval of parliament. These are necessary because the projected budget deficit for next year is currently 4.6 percent, which is 9.5 billion euros more than the EU maximum.

(dcf/imm/rk)

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