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Dutch Centre-and-Centre-Right Parties Begin Coalition Talks

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 12:46 GMT by The Straits Times

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Dutch Centre‑and‑Centre‑Right Parties to Start Talks on Forming Government

In the wake of the Netherlands’ 2023 general election, political leaders on the centre and centre‑right side of the Dutch spectrum have agreed to begin coalition talks. The move comes after a highly fragmented result that left no single party with a clear majority in the 150‑seat House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer). The negotiations are expected to determine whether a “grand coalition” will dominate Dutch politics once again or whether a more narrow partnership will steer the country into the next legislative term.

1. The Election Landscape

The 2023 elections were marked by a dramatic shift in voter sentiment. The incumbent governing coalition, consisting of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), and Democrats 66 (D66), suffered significant losses. The VVD, which had been led by former Prime Minister Mark Rutte for 14 years, fell from 37 to 33 seats—a loss of four seats that underscored growing frustration over housing shortages, climate policy and economic management. The CDA slipped from 18 to 16 seats, while D66 lost two seats, dropping from 16 to 14. The Green Left (GroenLinks) and the Social Democratic Party (PvdA) each increased their representation, though still far short of the 26 seats required for an outright majority.

In the centre‑left camp, the GroenLinks and the Socialist Party (SP) saw modest gains, but the two parties remain outside the centre‑right coalition. The election also saw the rise of the far‑right Party for Freedom (PVV) and the far‑left Party for the People (PVV) with increased vote shares, reflecting a broader European trend of populist parties gaining traction.

2. The Key Players in the Negotiations

The parties now in the negotiation fold are the VVD, CDA, and D66. The three are the largest centre‑right forces and together hold 62 seats—a slim majority in a 150‑seat chamber. Each party’s leader has signalled a willingness to cooperate:

• VVD – Mark Rutte: Although Rutte has announced his intention to step down as prime minister, he remains in a caretaker role and is a key negotiator in the talks. His experience and the party’s pro‑free‑market stance make him a central figure in any coalition.
• CDA – Hugo Stéphanie: Stéphanie, the newly elected party leader, is pushing for a coalition that balances economic pragmatism with social welfare concerns. He has repeatedly emphasized the need for a stable, centre‑right government that can tackle climate change while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
• D66 – Sigrid Kok: Kok’s youthful leadership brings a strong pro‑EU, progressive stance on social issues, while also advocating for transparency and digital innovation. She has expressed a willingness to cooperate with the VVD and CDA on shared goals such as housing policy and a more balanced energy transition.

3. The Coalition Options

The Dutch coalition‑building process offers several possible outcomes:

The current consensus leans toward a grand coalition that would ensure a stable majority and reduce the need for external support. However, D66 has indicated that it could also entertain a minority government if it could secure confidence and supply agreements from the GroenLinks or the PvdA.

4. The Negotiation Process

The formal negotiation process typically begins with “pre‑talks,” during which parties outline policy priorities and possible compromises. The article notes that the VVD, CDA, and D66 will meet in a “neutral setting” early in January, a tradition that dates back to the Dutch coalition‑forming ritual of “coalition meetings.” These meetings are usually chaired by an independent facilitator, often a former high‑ranking civil servant or academic, and involve both senior and junior party representatives.

During the talks, parties will work on a draft coalition agreement covering key policy areas: climate policy, housing, economic reform, welfare, immigration, and foreign affairs. Each party will seek to protect its core message while also acknowledging the need for compromise.

5. The Role of the Monarchy and the Prime Minister

Once a coalition agreement is signed, the Dutch monarch—King Willem‑Alexander—will formally appoint the new prime minister. In most cases, the coalition’s leading party will provide the candidate. In this instance, the VVD will most likely nominate a successor to Rutte, perhaps a figure who can bridge the gap between the party’s market‑oriented agenda and the coalition’s broader commitments.

6. Timeline and Expectations

• January 2024: First round of coalition negotiations.
• February–March 2024: Draft coalition agreement to be finalized and signed by all parties.
• April 2024: Coalition agreement presented to the King and formally signed.
• May 2024: The new cabinet sworn in and begins governance.

The Dutch political culture is known for its tolerance of prolonged negotiations; however, the current coalition talks are being watched closely by EU institutions, particularly the European Commission, as the Netherlands is a key player in the European Green Deal and the EU’s economic policy.

7. Conclusion

The centre and centre‑right parties’ decision to move forward with coalition talks signals a return to mainstream Dutch politics after a period of uncertainty. While the outcome remains to be seen, the potential for a grand coalition suggests that the Netherlands may continue to lead on issues such as climate action, economic stability, and European integration—albeit with a renewed emphasis on balancing fiscal responsibility and progressive social policy.

The upcoming months will be crucial in shaping the Netherlands’ direction on the world stage. The political calculus of the VVD, CDA, and D66, together with their willingness to compromise, will ultimately determine whether the country continues its tradition of coalition governance or charts a new path in Dutch politics.