Netherlands set for minority coalition as parties reach deal

"The Netherlands is set to be governed by a rare minority coalition after party leaders reached an agreement on Tuesday. The centrist, pro-EU D66, the winner of October's election, will join forces with the center-right Christian Democrats and the VVD, holding just 66 of 150 seats in the lower house. "We're incredibly eager to get started," said Rob Jetten, who leads D66 and is likely to be the country's new prime minister."

"The Netherlands is usually led by majority coalitions, but the heavily fractured political landscape has made it increasingly difficult to assemble one. The new coalition also lacks a majority in the Senate, meaning it will need opposition support to pass key legislation. "I am convinced that if we come with good proposals, other parties will be willing to talk," Jetten, who would be the country's youngest-ever prime minister and the first openly gay one, said."

The centrist, pro-EU D66 will form a rare minority coalition with the center-right Christian Democrats and the VVD, together holding 66 of the 150 seats in the lower house. Rob Jetten, who leads D66, is likely to become prime minister and would be the country's youngest-ever and first openly gay leader. The fragmented political landscape has made majority coalitions difficult to assemble. The new coalition lacks a Senate majority and will need opposition support to pass key legislation. Jetten said he expects other parties to engage if the coalition presents good proposals. Party MPs are expected to confirm the pact, with a formal presentation due Friday.

Read at www.dw.com