2023–2024 Dutch cabinet formation
Cabinet formation in the Netherlands / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A process of cabinet formation took place following the Dutch general election of 22 November 2023, between the Party for Freedom (PVV), the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), New Social Contract (NSC) and the Farmer–Citizen Movement (BBB), resulting in the formation of the Schoof cabinet on 2 July 2024. Despite intentions to form an extra-parliamentary cabinet, the cabinet is generally considered a parliamentary cabinet.[1]
As the largest party, the PVV initially nominated Gom van Strien as scout, but he was replaced by Ronald Plasterk (PvdA) due to unrelated fraud allegations. NSC and VVD were hesitant to govern with the PVV because some of its positions conflicted with the rule of law. Plasterk, as informateur, held talks with these parties and the BBB about the rule of law and other issues. After a month and a half, tensions over financial disagreements led NSC to withdraw from the formation talks on 6 February.
In February, Kim Putters (PvdA) was appointed informateur to determine the best structure for a new cabinet. He recommended forming an extra-parliamentary cabinet with PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB. Under the guidance of informateurs Elbert Dijkgraaf and Richard van Zwol, these parties reached an agreement on 15 May. Minister selection began on 23 May with formateur Van Zwol. On 28 May, civil servant Dick Schoof (independent) was nominated as Prime Minister after Plasterk withdrew over integrity concerns. The 29 cabinet members were sworn in on 2 July.