Government formation in the Netherlands
Minority coalition hopes for a new political culture

[Translate to English:] Wer künftig in den Binnenhof einzieht, wird noch entschieden.

Markus Bernet; Wikimedia Commons

Decision to form a minority government

After intensive talks with several parties, at the beginning of January 2026 the social-liberal D66, the Christian-democratic Christen-Democratisch Appèl (CDA), and the right-liberal Volkspartij voor Vrijheid en Democratie (VVD) decided to form a minority government. In the House of Representatives, the alliance holds only 66 of the 150 seats, and in the Senate it is short of a majority by 16 seats. The future government will therefore rely on the support of different opposition parties on a case-by-case basis.

The decision to form a minority cabinet was less a matter of political preference than a result of limited options. The increasing fragmentation of the party system makes stable majorities difficult, and there were categorical exclusions in advance: the VVD rejected cooperation with the left-progressive alliance of PvdA and GroenLinks, while D66 ruled out JA21 as a coalition partner.

For the CDA in particular, the minority model was a pragmatic step. Party leader Henri Bontenbal repeatedly emphasised that a minority cabinet is not an ideal, but a realistic response to blocked majority options. The aim is to ensure political functionality without forcing artificial bloc formations.

Substantively, the coalition relies on limited but workable areas of political agreement: European integration, the rule of law, support for Ukraine, as well as economic modernisation and investment in security and infrastructure. At the same time, there are significant differences on social, migration, climate, and welfare issues. While D66 pursues a progressive agenda, the VVD positions itself more market-oriented and restrictive on migration, and the CDA emphasises social responsibility and sound fiscal management. These tensions limit the coalition’s programme depth and increase its dependence on issue-specific parliamentary majorities.

[Translate to English:] Henri Bontenbal (CDA) will die politische Handlungsfähigkeit sichern.

Leonard Walpot; BY 4.0; Wikimedia Commons

Opposition parties and the ‘art of cooperation’

Without a stable majority, the government is forced to negotiate continuously with opposition parties. The coalition agreement states that the future minority government “is entering uncharted territory,” with the key lesson being to “relearn the art of cooperation and consultation.” Politics will thus be shaped less by coalition discipline and more by issue-based alliances and informal arrangements. The institutional character of the cabinet is shifting: the government will act less as a unified bloc and more as a moderating actor. Cooperation with civil society organisations and other governmental bodies is also set to be intensified.

Bontenbal describes the minority cabinet as an opportunity for a different political culture. Cooperation should not be organised along rigid blocs, but around substantive points of overlap. Such a model compels both government and opposition to take responsibility and engage in dialogue.

Notably, key opposition actors have initially taken a cautious stance. JA21 politician Joost Eerdmans has deliberately avoided early confrontations and signalled openness to case-by-case cooperation.

The largest opposition force, the left-progressive alliance of PvdA and GroenLinks, faces a strategic dilemma. On the one hand, there is occasional alignment with D66 on social and climate policy; on the other, they want to avoid being seen as an informal provider of a majority for a centre-right government. The role of a constructive but clearly defined opposition is likely to take priority.

As the country’s second-largest party, Geert Wilders’ right-wing populist PVV remains largely isolated. While it can find occasional common ground with the VVD on migration and security issues, systematic cooperation is still considered politically difficult to justify. Recent internal tensions, such as the removal of individual candidates from election lists, have further weakened its negotiating position.

The Farmers–Citizens Movement (BBB) is pursuing a pragmatic approach and could become a relevant partner, particularly on agricultural policy. Smaller parties such as the ChristenUnie or 50Plus emphasise their willingness to engage constructively, while also expressing scepticism about the long-term stability of the cabinet. On the far right, the Forum voor Democratie (FVD) remains largely isolated and politically marginalised, not least due to ongoing legal proceedings against prominent members.

CDA: the linchpin of the coalition

In this configuration, the CDA plays a central role. Bontenbal sees his party as a bridge between coalition and opposition, without fixed preferred partners. The CDA aims for equal collaboration with all democratic parties, thereby claiming a stabilising function in the parliamentary process. Given the ongoing fragmentation, the current minority cabinet could also be seen, from this perspective, as a test case for future models of government.

[Translate to English:] Rob Jetten (D66) wird voraussichtlich neuer niederländischer Ministerpräsident.

Martijn Beekman / D66; Wikimedia Commons

Leading Figures and Outlook

The key political figures in the new configuration are Rob Jetten as the leading representative of D66, Dilan Yeşilgöz as party leader of the VVD, and Henri Bontenbal for the CDA. While Jetten is seen as the ideological driver of the project and represents a progressive, pro-European orientation, Yeşilgöz embodies the coalition’s economically liberal and relatively security-restrictive wing. Bontenbal takes on a mediating role, repeatedly emphasising the need for institutional stability, fiscal discipline and constructive parliamentary cooperation. Even this composition of personnel highlights the internal heterogeneity of the cabinet.

The timetable foresees that the coalition agreement will be presented to parliament for a vote on Tuesday. Ministerial posts will be filled following its approval.

The new Dutch coalition agreement does not mark a clear shift in power, but the start of a politically fragile phase. Neither the future government nor the opposition possesses strategic dominance. Instead, a new power structure is emerging, one that is heavily dependent on situational cooperation and institutional learning. Whether this will give rise to a “new political culture” or simply a period of heightened uncertainty remains to be seen.

>>> See also our article on the Dutch election results of 29 October 2025