New attempt to form a government with right-wing populists in the Netherlands There are signs of an extension of the ceasefire in Gaza – the night update

After the election victory of right-wing populist Geert Wilders, government formation in the Netherlands will now begin a second attempt.

The previous Speaker of the House instructed former minister Ronald Plasterk in The Hague on Tuesday to explore the opportunities of a coalition. A first attempt failed because the first explorer, a member of the radical right-wing party Wilders, resigned due to accusations of fraud.

The new explorer Plasterk is expected to hold discussions with all group leaders and present his report on December 5. Only then can substantive discussions between the possible new coalition parties begin.

Wilders’ anti-Islam party won 37 of the 150 seats in parliament last week. Traditionally, it is now his turn to form a coalition. He needs at least two parties for a majority. The only realistic partners are the right-liberal VVD of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the new center party New Social Contract. The VVD rejects participation in the government, but would tolerate a right-wing minority government.

Wilders again stated his willingness to negotiate: “The voters want me to do my best to come to the negotiating table and then be involved in the state government in whatever way possible.” The right-wing populist had claimed that he wanted to shelve his highly controversial demands, such as a ban on the Koran and the closure of mosques. (saw/sda/dpa)