Five Dutch political parties are holding congresses this weekend in the run-up to early elections on 9 June.

The Christian Democrats (CDA) have confirmed caretaker Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende as their leader. He was given a conference ovation. He has led a number of different government coalitions since 2001 and says he wants to serve as premier again after the election. However, his popularity has plummeted over recent weeks.

The Labour Party is also holding its congress which will confirm former Amsterdam mayor Job Cohen as the leader to take it into the election. Last month, he succeeded Wouter Bos who announced he was leaving politics after the fall of the cabinet in which he had been deputy prime minister.

It is unclear if the two parties, the largest in parliament, are willing to work together in a coalition after the poll. The Socialist Party, the conservative VVD and the small Christian Union party are also holding conferences this weekend.

Two issues are dominating the Dutch election campaign. The first is which party will win the most parliamentary seats and therefore get the initial opportunity to form a coalition and provide its prime minister. The second big issue involves the large-scale cuts needed in the coming years to restore the economy in the aftermath of the economic crisis.

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide