The left-wing parliamentary parties have expressed their relief at the breakdown of the coalition talks between the free-market liberal VVD and the Christian Democrats (CDA) with Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party (PVV) as support act.

Labour Party leader Job Cohen says he is pleased and thinks the VVD and his party should look at forming a new cabinet, in spite of the differences between their policies. VVD and Labour were neck-and-neck in the polls, VVD had just one seat more than Labour in the June election.

Green Left leader Femke Halsema, called the development “a huge relief” as a right-wing cabinet supported by the Freedom Party would have “increased polarisation in the country, while the worst economic crisis in 80 years means cooperation between left and right is needed.”

The Democrats D66 has demanded a debate with coalition mediator Ivo Opstelten. D66 leader Alexander Pechtold wants the parliamentary party leaders to visit Queen Beatrix to offer their advice. He calls VVD leader Mark Rutte’s proposal to write a draft coalition document “premature”.

The Socialist Party leader Emile Roemer called the collapse of the coalition talks a “blessing for the country”. He even suggested that Mark Rutte had had his chance and that other parties should be given a chance to form a government.

The only party leader to regret the situation is Kees van der Staaij of the small orthodox Christian SGP party. He was looking forward to seeing the outcome of the coalition talks. He says he still has full confidence in Mr Rutte.

Mr Opstelten will present his report on the collapse of the coalition talks to the queen on Saturday.
 

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide