Dutch Coalition Talks Advance: D66, VVD, and CDA Aim for Agreement

Dutch Coalition Talks Advance: D66, VVD, and CDA Aim for Agreement

The formation of a new Dutch cabinet is progressing, with D66, VVD, and CDA identified as the core parties engaged in intensive negotiations led by informateur Rianne Letschert. These parties have made substantive progress in recent weeks, even as the Dutch Parliament recessed for the Christmas holiday. The Dutch Parliament is scheduled to return from its Christmas recess on Monday, January 12, 2026.

Recent Developments and Parliamentary Recess

The Dutch Parliament began its Christmas recess on December 19, 2025. As dates between December 17 and 19, 2025, are in the future, specific details regarding daily meetings during this period are not yet publicly available. Consequently, there is no public confirmation that the three core parties (D66, VVD, and CDA) negotiated through the weekend in the First Chamber building.

Strategy and Timeline

D66 leader Rob Jetten has stated that significant progress on all topics, including finances, had been achieved, forming a good basis for the continuation of the cabinet formation process. However, there is no verified information regarding Jetten anticipating a final agreement by the end of January. Furthermore, Informateur Letschert has not provided any verified anticipation regarding clarity about a majority or minority cabinet before Christmas.

• Post-Christmas: Talks are scheduled to resume from January 5.
• Deadline: The Tweede Kamer has set a deadline of January 30 for Informateur Letschert to conclude this stage of cabinet formation.

Broader Context and Previous Steps

• Friday, December 5: Informateur Sybrand Buma organized a meeting with party leaders from D66, CDA, GL-PvdA, JA21, and VVD.

The formation process officially began on November 4, 2025, following elections on October 29. Negotiations remain confidential, but parties emphasize careful collaboration to build a "solid foundation" for the prospective government.

Open Questions: Majority or Minority?

A key question remains whether D66, VVD, and CDA, who could potentially form a minority government on their own, will attract a fourth party to secure a parliamentary majority. The necessity of involving other parties to form a majority government has been indicated. While no definitive statement on this matter is expected before Christmas, the overall dynamic of the talks appears constructive.