The German federal government is hopeful for a stable executive in the Netherlands. “Of course we are interested in stable governments – especially in our neighbouring countries” deputy government spokesman Sebastian Hille said on Friday to the news agency. However, he added that this is “outside our sphere of influence”. The chancellor is looking forward to meeting the new Dutch prime minister, Rob Jetten, in Berlin on Monday. “Anything beyond that is not something we are currently debating” Hille said.
Jetten heads a coalition in The Hague that includes his own left‑liberal party D66 together with the conservative VVD and CDA. The coalition, however, does not command a majority in parliament, so every legislative proposal must be negotiated with the opposition, which largely remains cautious or opposed.
